By Fatima Kpaka
Sierra Leone – November 3, 2025: In a landmark move to decentralize judicial services and enhance access to justice, the Honourable Chief Justice of Sierra Leone, Komba Kamanda, has announced the first-ever circuit sittings of the Court of Appeal in the provinces. The initiative, unveiled at the Main Law Courts Building in Freetown, marks a transformative step in the country’s judicial reform agenda.
For the first time since the establishment of Judiciary, the Court of Appeal will sit outside the capital to hear and determine appeals originating from regional jurisdictions. The sittings are scheduled as follows:
- Thursday, 27th November 2025 – Makeni City: Appeals from the North-East and North-Western Regions.
- Tuesday, 20th January 2026 – Bo City: Appeals from the Southern and Eastern Regions.
The Judiciary is calling on all parties with pending appeals in these regions, along with their legal representatives, to cooperate fully to ensure smooth, efficient, and timely proceedings.
Chief Justice Kamanda emphasized that the initiative reflects his unwavering commitment to making justice more accessible, affordable, and responsive to the needs of all citizens, regardless of location or financial status.
“This marks a new chapter in our Judiciary’s mission to ensure that no citizen is denied access to justice due to geographical or financial barriers,” he said. “We remain steadfast in promoting fairness, transparency, and the rule of law across all corners of the nation.”
The circuit sittings are expected to significantly reduce litigation costs for appellants in the provinces, who previously had to travel to Freetown for appeal hearings. By bringing the Court of Appeal closer to communities, the Judiciary aims to foster greater public trust and participation in the legal system.
The Judiciary expressed gratitude to key partners supporting the reform, including the Office of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice and the Legal Aid Board. Their collaboration has been instrumental in implementing this historic initiative.
This development aligns with broader efforts to modernize Sierra Leone’s justice system, improve efficiency, and uphold the constitutional rights of all citizens. It also reinforces the Judiciary’s role in advancing national development through equitable legal access.