By: Aminata Sesay
In a significant move toward strengthening judicial independence and accelerating reform, Parliament on Thursday unanimously approved the appointment of ten judges following the presentation and debate of the Twelfth Report of the Committee on Appointments and Public Service.
The report, presented by Hon. Mathew Sahr Nyuma, Leader of Government Business and Committee Chair, highlighted the thorough vetting process that evaluated the nominees’ qualifications, integrity, tax compliance, asset declarations, and vision for the judiciary.
The approved appointments include: Magistrate Mark Ngegba High Court Judge, Magistrate Sahr Elongima High Court Judge, Magistrate Isata Susan Sellu Tucker – High Court Judge, Magistrate Santigie Ibrahim Sorie Bangura– High Court Judge, Magistrate Josephine Feimata Hinga– High Court Judge, Ms. Khalila Diana Kamara– High Court Judge, Hon. Justice Athanasius Alfred Tommy Ganda – Appeal Court Judge, Hon. Justice Abou Bahkarr Binneh Kamara – Appeal Court Judge, Hon. Justice Aiah Simeon Allieu – Appeal Court Judgen and Mr. Samuel Andrew Curtis Johnson– High Court Judge
Hon. Nyuma praised the appointments as a step toward enhancing public trust and judicial capacity. “These individuals were meticulously vetted. Their competence and integrity are unquestionable,” he stated.
Hon. Abdul Karim Kamara, Opposition Whip, supported the motion and emphasized the importance of fairness and impartiality in judicial appointments. He warned against political interference and called for improved remuneration and working conditions to empower the judiciary.
Deputy Speaker Hon. Ibrahim Tawa Conteh urged the appointees to maintain professionalism and uphold public confidence, especially in the face of increasing scrutiny. He appealed for more state investment in judicial infrastructure.
Hon. Osman A. Timbo reflected on the historical challenges faced by the judiciary during and after Sierra Leone’s civil conflict, citing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s (TRC) recommendations that placed judicial reform at the heart of post-war recovery.
MPs including Hon. Hindolo Gevao, Hon. Tamba Kellie, and Hon. Aminata Moriba commended the selection of highly competent individuals and celebrated the appointment of women to key judicial roles. Hon. Tamba Johney urged the Judiciary to ensure the deployment of judges to underrepresented districts such as Kono.
Hon. Aaron Aruna Koroma, Acting Leader of the Opposition, expressed support for the appointments but stressed that systemic reform and equitable resource distribution were critical to real change. He called on the Chief Justice to decentralize services and address persistent inefficiencies in Local Courts.
Lawmakers across party lines welcomed the growing gender inclusivity in judicial appointments, acknowledging President Julius Maada Bio’s efforts to meet the 30% gender representation benchmark in public service.
In his closing remarks, Hon. Nyuma reiterated the urgency of providing better salaries and conditions for judicial officers, noting that such reforms are necessary across all branches of government. He underscored that judicial independence is paramount to upholding democracy and restoring public faith in the rule of law.