By Alimatu Jalloh
Freetown, Sierra Leone — In a bid to enhance accountability and transparency in Sierra Leone’s judicial system, Chief Justice Komba Kamanda has issued a directive requiring Supervising Judges to approve all court-ordered executions before they are carried out by the Undersheriff’s Office.
This landmark decision, communicated through an official memorandum from Deputy Master and Registrar, Mrs. Huliamatu F. Christian-Moses, aims to strengthen oversight, prevent irregularities in execution fees, and eliminate delays that have long plagued court procedures.
New Measures for Judicial Oversight
Effective immediately, the Undersheriff’s Office is prohibited from carrying out any execution orders without the express written approval of the Supervising Judges, evidenced by their signatures. Additionally:
- The sale of property under court orders now requires Supervising Judges’ approval.
- Litigants making payments related to execution orders must receive a National Revenue Authority (NRA) receipt.
- Any further payments required in execution processes must be properly documented with receipts.
- Failures or delays in execution should be promptly reported to Supervising Judges.
Implications for Judicial Accountability
Chief Justice Kamanda emphasized that these reforms are expected to boost public confidence in court procedures while ensuring judicial processes are free from exploitation.
“This will help raise much-needed government funds while eliminating unreasonable execution fees,” he stated, adding that past inconsistencies in execution procedures will no longer be tolerated.
Judicial observers believe the new directive could reshape enforcement mechanisms, ensuring court-ordered executions are handled with greater efficiency and integrity across Sierra Leone.
For more details, the Judiciary of Sierra Leone Communications Office can be reached via +23276617548, +23278244739, or +23279101086.