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Sierra Leone’s Chief Justice, His Lordship Honorable Justice Komba Kamanda, has officially commissioned the newly renovated Magistrate’s and High Court in Kono District while reassuring his commitment to delivering tangible reforms in the Judiciary.
“I will continue to make access to justice the cornerstone of justice delivery in Sierra Leone,” he said, reaffirming that “Reforming the Judiciary remains a top priority.”
Chief Justice Kamanda noted that the commissioning of the modern and well-equipped court in Kono is a testament to his dedication to ensuring justice is accessible to all, regardless of location.
He recalled that Kono District had been without a Resident High Court Judge even before his appointment as Chief Justice. When this issue was brought to his attention by Paramount Chiefs, he pledged to assign a Resident High Court Judge, a promise he has now fulfilled. Additionally, he had committed to providing the District with a befitting court structure to replace the previously dilapidated Magistrate’s and High Court buildings.
“I am here today with my delegation from Freetown not only to commission a court,” the Chief Justice stated, “but to fulfill a promise I made to the people of Kono District.”
Chief Justice Kamanda also highlighted similar achievements across the country. In less than one year, he commissioned the newly constructed Sexual Offenses Model Court in Bo and the first Magistrate’s Court in Mile 91.
He announced that Makeni will be the next place to commission another specialized court, signaling continued progress in strengthening justice infrastructure nationwide.
He further revealed plans to introduce a circuit court system in Kono District, which will allow Magistrates to preside over cases in the various chiefdoms throughout the district, a step aimed at enhancing judicial effectiveness and accessibility at the local level.
Speaking on behalf of the fourteen Paramount Chiefs, the Paramount Chief of Fiama Chiefdom, PC Sahr Youngai Kontanday Mbriwa II, expressed deep appreciation to His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio for appointing the first Chief Justice from the Kono tribe.
“The people of Kono are grateful,” he said, “and we are ready to support our son, Honorable Chief Justice Komba Kamanda.” He also used the occasion to appeal for the Chief Justice’s intervention in resolving ongoing challenges with the administration of the Local Courts, which he said have impacted local justice delivery.
In response, the Chief Justice assured that he would immediately engage the Attorney General and Minister of Justice to state the current status of Local Court administration. He pledged that the matter would be addressed amicably and expeditiously.
Local Unit Commanders in Kono District also pledged their continued commitment to upholding law and order in the region.
