By kleverson.kawa@awokonewspapersl.com
Kenema, July 5th 2025 – In a significant step toward decongesting correctional centres and accelerating the wheels of justice, the Chief Justice of Sierra Leone, Hon. Justice Komba Kamanda, has launched the Prison Court Initiative at the Kenema Male Correctional Centre. He was joined by Hon. Justice Abdulai M. Bangura, who served as the presiding judge during the court session.
The initiative is part of a broader judicial reform effort aimed at improving access to justice and addressing the backlog of minor offences and pending indictments that have stalled in magistrate courts across the country.
Addressing court officials, media representatives, and correctional officers, Chief Justice Kamanda made it clear that the purpose of the Prison Court is not to free all inmates indiscriminately but to ensure that justice is served fairly—especially for those held on minor or outdated charges. He emphasized that cases involving serious crimes, particularly drug-related offences, will continue to be dealt with through the standard legal process.
“We’re here to review cases that have lingered too long without proper hearing, especially those awaiting indictments or eligible for bail. But this should not be seen as a mass release. The integrity of the justice system remains our top priority,” he stated.
Justice Kamanda also stressed the damaging impact of drug abuse on Sierra Leone’s youth, underlining the judiciary’s commitment to holding offenders accountable while protecting vulnerable communities.
In a broader move to democratize justice access, the Chief Justice announced plans to introduce Mobile Courts—a system designed to deliver justice to remote and underserved areas. He cited Mile 91 as one of the first locations to benefit, now equipped with a resident judge.
The Chief Justice expressed gratitude to court officials and the Sierra Leone Correctional Service in Kenema for their collaboration, praising the logistical and professional support that made the court session a success. He also commended Hon. Justice Abdulai M. Bangura, noting his extensive judicial experience, including previous roles as Chairman of the Political Parties Registration Commission (PPRC), Court of Appeal Judge, and Justice of the Supreme Court.
Chief Justice Kamanda also extended his appreciation to Justices Tonia Barnett (JA) and Alfred T. Ganda (JA), who were part of the high-level entourage to Kenema.
The outcomes of the Kenema Prison Court were impactful:
- 4 inmates were released
- 24 had their sentences reduced
- 4 were acquitted and discharged due to wrongful charges
- 8 had their sentences maintained
As the Judiciary’s reform tour continues across the country, the Kenema session marks a critical milestone in promoting a justice system that is not only efficient but also humane and accessible to all. KK/5/7/2025
