By Fatima Kpak
Freetown, Sierra Leone – In a bid to tackle electricity-related crimes and support ongoing reforms in the energy sector, Chief Justice Honourable Justice Komba Kamanda has announced plans to establish a specialized court dedicated to adjudicating electricity-related cases.
During a high-level meeting with the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA), Justice Kamanda assured the institution that the judiciary would prioritize cases concerning illegal meter bypassing, electricity theft, and infrastructure vandalism.
The meeting was facilitated by Honourable Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella, Chairman of the Presidential Initiative on Climate Change, Renewable Energy, and Food Security. He emphasized the urgent need for judicial intervention, given EDSA’s alarming financial losses—estimated between 55% to 72% of expected revenue due to illegal connections and theft.
Dr. Yumkella also provided insights into ongoing energy sector reforms. With President Julius Maada Bio serving as Acting Minister of Energy, EDSA is undergoing major changes, including privatization efforts expected to conclude by December 2025. Technological advancements, such as improved metering and fault detection systems, are also being introduced to strengthen service delivery.
The financial strain on EDSA remains a critical concern, with only Le 5.5 million collected out of an expected Le 8.5 million monthly revenue. Additionally, the institution faces a $24 million debt, partly due to vandalism—a challenge highlighted in reports by the African Development Bank.
Justice Kamanda pledged his commitment to supporting national development and directed EDSA to collaborate closely with the Attorney General’s Office to ensure efficient prosecution of cases. He also proposed that designated state counsel be assigned to electricity-related legal matters, stressing the importance of thorough investigations by the Law Officers’ Department.
To prepare judicial officers for handling electricity-related cases, Justice Kamanda announced upcoming training sessions through the Judicial and Legal Training Institute (JLTI).
Honourable Justice Fatmatta Bintu Alhadi also called for a comprehensive review of pending electricity-related cases in court to streamline tracking and monitoring.
As Sierra Leone strives for a more stable and efficient energy sector, the establishment of a dedicated fast-track court for electricity crimes is seen as a crucial step toward safeguarding national infrastructure and ensuring accountability.