By mohamedj.bah@awokonewspaper.sl
Freetown, Sierra Leone – In a bold move to modernize Sierra Leone’s legal system, Chief Justice Komba Kamanda has declared his unwavering commitment to innovation, digitization, and judicial excellence—starting with the historic launch of the Judiciary’s first-ever ultramodern e-Library.
Speaking at the grand commissioning of the state-of-the-art Judiciary Library at the Main Law Court Building, the Chief Justice revealed his vision:
“When His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio appointed me, I promised to bring transformative change. Today, we take a giant leap—introducing a manual and e-Library, a first in our nation’s judicial history!”
The facility, fully funded by the Judiciary of Sierra Leone, is equipped with:
– Cutting-edge e-Library resources for instant legal research
– Free high-speed internet for lawyers, judges, and students
– CCTV surveillance & high-capacity photocopiers to protect rare legal texts
– A vast collection of case laws, journals, and global legal references
For years, Sierra Leone’s legal professionals struggled with limited access to critical research materials—a hurdle that often delayed justice.
“A judiciary without a library is like a ship without a compass,” Justice Kamanda emphasized. “Now, our judges, magistrates, and lawyers can sharpen their craft with real-time global legal insights—ensuring fair, informed, and timely rulings.”
Plans are already underway to expand this model to regional courthouses, pending funding.
- Solicitor General Robert Kowa hailed the library as “the dawn of a new chapter in Sierra Leone’s legal practice,” bridging the gap for those without internet access.
- SLBA President Tuma Adama Gento-Kamara called it “a defiant stand against outdated practices,” ensuring justice is served with world-class precision.
- Legal Aid Board’s Fatmata Claire Carlton-Hanciles urged sustainable management, stressing its role in empowering young lawyers.
The Attorney General’s office is also working to establish a Law Reporting Council to standardize legal publications and further enrich the library’s resources.
This isn’t just about books—it’s about rebuilding trust in the justice system. With tech-driven transparency and equal access to knowledge, Sierra Leone’s judiciary is finally stepping into the future. MJB/5/4/2025
