For the first time in more than thirty years, the Court of Appeal has commenced sittings in Kenema, marking a historic step toward making justice more accessible to citizens in Sierra Leone’s Eastern and Southern regions.
Previously, individuals seeking to pursue appeal cases were required to travel to Freetown, often at significant financial and logistical cost. The new development eliminates this burden and brings appellate justice closer to the people.
Officially opening the court session, Chief Justice Hon. Justice Komba Kamanda emphasized that justice must be delivered at the doorstep of every Sierra Leonean, regardless of location.
Four justices will preside over the sittings and are expected to hear more than thirty cases over the next two weeks. The initiative aims to reduce the growing backlog of appeal cases while strengthening public confidence in the country’s justice system.
The justices presiding over the sittings are Justice Fatmata Bintu Alhadi, Justice Michael Patrick Mammie, Justice A. S. Alieu and Justice Adrian Fisher.
Welcoming the development, Paramount Chief Sadiq Matoe Kapuwa described the occasion as a significant blessing for the people of the region, noting that it will greatly improve access to justice.
The opening ceremony attracted broad participation from regional leaders and key institutions. Statements were delivered by the Assistant Inspector General of Police (East), the Regional Commander of Correctional Services, the Resident Minister, the Paramount Chief of Nongowa Chiefdom, representatives of the Bar Association, the Legal Aid Board, and a Backbench Representative.
This milestone represents an important step in expanding access to justice and offers renewed hope to communities that have long been underserved by the Court of Appeal system.