By: Aminata Sesay
The Parliament of Sierra Leone on Tuesday officially approved the appointment of Justice Fatmata Bintu Alhadi as a Justice of the Supreme Court. Her confirmation follows her nomination by His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio and a thorough vetting process conducted by the Committee on Appointments and the Public Service.
Justice Alhadi, previously a Judge of the Court of Appeal, was vetted on Monday, May 19, 2025. The Committee’s report, presented in the Well of Parliament on Tuesday, highlighted her exceptional judicial competence, integrity, and unwavering dedication to the pursuit of justice.
During the parliamentary debate prior to the vote, Members of Parliament from both the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) and the opposition All People’s Congress (APC) commended her credentials while also discussing broader concerns surrounding the judiciary.
Hon. Ibrahim Tawa Conteh, Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, lauded Justice Alhadi’s independence and professionalism. “She has never allowed political affiliation or pressure to interfere with her work,” he noted. “This is the kind of person we need in the highest court of the land.”
Hon. Neneh Lebbie, Deputy Whip II and a member of the Female Parliamentary Caucus, emphasized the significance of her elevation. “As a woman, I am proud to witness this appointment. Justice Alhadi is a role model, and her presence in the Supreme Court is a victory for gender equity,” she said.
From the opposition, Hon. Abdul Karim Kamara, Opposition Whip, endorsed the appointment but called attention to public concerns about judicial impartiality. “We are not against this nominee she is competent. But we must address the issue of public trust in our courts. Justice must not only be done; it must be seen to be done,” he cautioned.
Hon. Aaron Aruna Koroma echoed similar sentiments, advocating for deeper judicial reforms. “We need to reform the judiciary to ensure its independence is not only real but felt by the ordinary citizen,” he stated. Still, he acknowledged Justice Alhadi as a “diligent and deserving” candidate.
Leader of Government Business, Hon. Mathew Sahr Nyuma, responded to these concerns, saying, “The Bio administration is committed to strengthening institutions, not politicizing them. Justice Alhadi’s record speaks for itself.”
The Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Aaron Aruna Koroma, affirmed his party’s support, noting, “While we continue to call for judicial reforms, we acknowledge the merit of this nominee.”
Justice Alhadi’s appointment was unanimously approved without objection when the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas, put the motion to a vote.
Following her confirmation, Justice Alhadi expressed deep gratitude to Members of Parliament for their confidence in her. She acknowledged the importance of their endorsement and described it as an honor bestowed by serious and committed lawmakers.
Addressing her future priorities on the Supreme Court bench, she emphasized fairness, integrity, and impartiality principles she believes reflect the expectations of the public. Responding to a question about her role as a woman in the judiciary, she reaffirmed her commitment to gender equality and social justice, pledging to continue her advocacy in these areas.
Justice Fatmata Bintu Alhadi brings decades of legal experience to the Supreme Court, including prior roles in the High Court and Court of Appeal. She is also widely recognized for her contributions to legal education and the promotion of women’s rights in Sierra Leone.