By: Mohamed Sahr
His Lordship Honourable Justice Komba Kamanda, the Chief Justice of Sierra Leone has called on judicial officers to remain committed to the core principles of justice, fairness, accountability, equity, and the rule of law. He made this remarks during the official opening of the ECOWAS Court of Justice on Thursday, 2nd October 2025, in Abuja, Nigeria.
In his capacity as the Chairman of the ECOWAS Judicial Council, Chief Justice Kamanda outlined his plans for bringing tangible reforms within the council. He emphasized that the event was significant, noting the longstanding tradition of formally marking the start of each judicial year with an auspicious ceremony.
Chief Justice Kamanda described the day as an important opportunity for reflection, urging judicial officers to reaffirm their commitment to the core principles of justice. He encouraged them to continue embracing fairness, accountability, and the rule of law in their professional duties. He also highlighted the importance of thinking creatively and finding new ways to make the justice system more accessible, user-friendly, and cost-effective.
“The theme of today’s occasion resonates strongly with the present trends, and the role of the judiciary cannot be overstated,” Chief Justice Kamanda said.
As Chairman of the ECOWAS Judiciary Council, Chief Justice Kamanda committed to working closely with fellow chief justices across the region to review and update procedural rules, ensuring comprehensive implementation of the council’s mandate. He also proposed the possibility of establishing an appellate court and emphasized the need for better enforcement of court judgments. Furthermore, he called for stronger collaboration between the ECOWAS Court and national judicial councils.
The Chief Justice urged members to proactively bring the court’s work closer to the people, especially in the regions, to enhance public understanding of its nature and activities. He suggested that this could be achieved through targeted outreach programs.
He also commended the President, Vice President, and other members of the ECOWAS Court for their visit to Sierra Leone, where they engaged with legal professionals and lawyers to deepen their understanding of the court’s operations.
Chief Justice Kamanda expressed optimism that, by the start of the judicial year, members would be guided by the principles of fairness, justice, equity, and the rule of law in all their activities.