By: Fayia Jr. Moseray
In a landmark ceremony held on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at the Law Courts Building along Siaka Stevens Street, the Chief Justice of Sierra Leone, His Lordship Justice Komba Kamanda, inspected a ceremonial “Guard of Honour” mounted by the Sierra Leone Police (SLP), marking the formal commencement of the Judiciary’s First Criminal Session for September 2025.
The event also served as the official launch of the Criminal Procedure Act, 2024, a transformative piece of legislation that replaces the outdated Criminal Procedure Act of 1965. The new law introduces critical reforms aimed at expediting trials, enhancing due process, and broadening access to justice across the country.
Following the ceremonial inspection, Chief Justice Kamanda was scheduled to preside over the first set of criminal cases under the new law, beginning with cases involving human trafficking and migrant smuggling.
Several dignitaries attended the historic occasion, including the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay Esq., Judges of the Superior Court of Judicature, the Inspector General of Police, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), and members of the legal fraternity.
The new legislation brings several significant changes to Sierra Leone’s criminal justice system, including: introduction of a Case Management System: Designed to minimize unnecessary delays and adjournments in court proceedings. Reformed Bail and Remand Procedures: Aimed at decongesting correctional facilities across the country. Enhanced Provisions Against Human Trafficking and Organized Crime: Strengthening legal tools to prosecute serious crimes. Digital Record-Keeping and Filing Systems: Introducing modernized court administration processes through digital technology.
Judicial authorities have hailed the Criminal Procedure Act, 2024, as a milestone in the ongoing reform of Sierra Leone’s justice sector. It is expected to bring the country’s criminal procedure in line with international standards while safeguarding the rights of both victims and accused persons.
Chief Justice Kamanda described the implementation of the new Act as the beginning of a “new era” in the administration of criminal justice, stating that courts are now positioned to process cases more effectively, efficiently, and with greater transparency.