Post a comment 
Judges of Sierra Leone’s Superior Court of Judicature, including the Supreme Court, have paid tribute to Chief Justice Hon. Justice Komba Kamanda in recognition of his successful tenure as Chairman of the ECOWAS Judicial Council and his contributions to strengthening the country’s Judiciary.
The recognition came during a brief ceremony organised by judges, magistrates, and support staff of the Judiciary to mark the close of the 2025/2026 Judicial Year.
Speaking at the event, Hon. Justice Tonia Barnett praised Chief Justice Kamanda’s leadership during his tenure as Chairman of the ECOWAS Judicial Council, noting that Sierra Leone successfully hosted the Council’s meeting in April 2026. She said the gathering brought together Chief Justices, judges, and senior judicial officials from across West Africa to promote judicial cooperation, strengthen the rule of law, improve the administration of justice, and deepen regional integration. According to her, the successful meeting enhanced Sierra Leone’s international reputation.
Justice of the Supreme Court, Hon. Justice Fatmata Bintu Alhadi, also commended the Chief Justice for what she described as significant improvements within the Judiciary since his appointment. She highlighted the construction of modern court buildings across the country, the expansion of Court of Appeal sittings to the provinces, improved case management, and reforms aimed at ensuring the speedy administration of justice.
A senior Judiciary staff member with over sixteen years of service described Chief Justice Kamanda as one of the institution’s most impactful leaders, praising his commitment to judicial reform and leadership as the Judiciary prepares to begin a new judicial year in September 2026.
Responding to the tributes, Chief Justice Kamanda expressed gratitude to his fellow judges, magistrates, and Judiciary staff for the recognition, describing the ceremony as thoughtful and unexpected.
He said serving as Chairman of the ECOWAS Judicial Council had been both an honour and a responsibility, reaffirming the importance of judicial cooperation and the rule of law across the West African sub-region.
“I dedicate this recognition not to myself alone, but to the entire Judiciary of Sierra Leone, whose collective effort, resilience, and professionalism have contributed to the progress we celebrate today,” he said.
The Chief Justice added that the recognition had inspired him to continue working towards building an independent, responsive, and efficient Judiciary that enjoys the confidence of the Sierra Leonean people.
The ceremony concluded with a cake-cutting celebration to honour Chief Justice Kamanda’s achievements and mark the successful end of the 2025/2026 Judicial Year.
