Ladi Kwali Hall, Abuja, Nigeria, 23 July 2026 — Sierra Leone’s Honourable Chief Justice, His Lordship Justice Komba Kamanda, has been honoured with a prestigious plaque in recognition of his outstanding leadership and distinguished contribution to judicial discourse at the 18th International Maritime Seminar for Judges.
International Recognition
The award was presented by the Chief Justice of Kenya, Justice Martha K. Koome, during the seminar jointly organised by the Judiciary of Nigeria and the Nigeria Shippers’ Council. The event brought together judges, jurists, professors, policymakers, and senior administrators from across Africa and beyond, including Ghana, The Gambia, Hong Kong, and Sierra Leone, to deliberate on contemporary developments in Admiralty and Maritime Law.
Chief Justice Kamanda was selected to chair and moderate the second technical session of the seminar, a role that underscored his growing influence within the international judicial community.
Commitment to Judicial Excellence
In his remarks, Chief Justice Kamanda expressed appreciation to the organisers for the recognition, pledging Sierra Leone’s continued collaboration with regional and international judiciaries. “The Judiciary of Sierra Leone will continue to collaborate with the Judiciaries and other institutions to advance and broaden jurisprudence, not only in maritime law but also in other areas of the law, with a view to strengthening our justice systems and upholding the rule of law,” he stated.
Beyond moderating the session, Chief Justice Kamanda received a commemorative plaque acknowledging his sustained efforts to advance maritime jurisprudence nationally and internationally.
Sierra Leone’s Growing Influence
The recognition reflects Sierra Leone’s increasing prominence in international judicial forums and highlights the Judiciary’s commitment to promoting excellence, knowledge sharing, and regional cooperation in specialised areas of law.
Chief Justice Kamanda was accompanied by Justice F.B. Alhadi and Justice Mamie of the Admiralty and Fast Track Commercial Court of Sierra Leone, further demonstrating his dedication to strengthening judicial capacity and embracing international best practices in maritime and commercial dispute resolution.
Distinguished Contributions
Among the seminar’s speakers was Prof. Awaal Magashi of Bayero University, Kano, who delivered an insightful presentation on contemporary developments in Maritime Law, contributing to discussions on strengthening admiralty jurisprudence and addressing emerging challenges in the maritime sector.
The award to Chief Justice Kamanda serves as a testament to his visionary leadership and the growing recognition of Sierra Leone’s Judiciary as an active contributor to the development of international legal jurisprudence.