Chief Justice Kamanda Assures Judiciary’s Readiness to Embrace AI and Technology
Sia Lucy Kannah Sierra Leone’s Chief Justice, His Lordship Justice Komba Kamanda, has assured that the Judiciary is ready to embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies to improve access to justice, legal information and judicial services.
Justice Kamanda made the statement while delivering a keynote address at NaTCA Tower, Southridge, Freetown, during an event commemorating the International Day for Universal Access to Information.
Speaking on the theme “AI, Justice and the Rule of Law,” the Chief Justice said AI is increasingly becoming part of how governments operate, institutions manage information and citizens access public services.
He noted that the technology presents opportunities for justice institutions to improve access to judgments and legal materials, support legal research, strengthen case management and make judicial services more accessible to the public.
Justice Kamanda stressed that while the Judiciary is prepared to embrace technological advancement, its adoption must remain guided by constitutional and institutional responsibilities.
He said the Judiciary must work toward a justice system that is technologically enabled while remaining open, accessible, transparent and human-centred, with the rule of law at its core.
Meanwhile, Chief Director and Professional Head of the Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation, Mohamed Moumini Jalloh, said AI is rapidly transforming government operations, information management and access to public services.
Jalloh said Sierra Leone’s focus should now be on preparing to harness AI responsibly and inclusively in ways that provide tangible benefits to citizens.
Deputy Minister of Justice, Madam Saptieu E. Saccoh, reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to collaborating with relevant institutions to promote the responsible adoption and use of AI.
UNESCO Director for Inclusion, Policies and Digital Transformation, Guilherme Canela, said UNESCO is working to train and support justice sector professionals in the use of AI tools in courts and tribunals.
Canela also highlighted UNESCO’s guidelines for the use of AI in courts and tribunals, describing them as the first globally oriented ethical and operational framework of their kind.
The event brought together stakeholders to examine the opportunities, responsibilities and safeguards surrounding the use of AI and technology within the justice sector.
