JAIPUR, India – Sierra Leone’s Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security, Hon. Umaru Napoleon Koroma, has called on Indian investors and international business leaders to explore investment opportunities in Sierra Leone, highlighting the country’s potential as a growing destination for business and economic partnerships.
The minister made the appeal while delivering remarks as Chief Guest at the Closed Circle Private Investors Meet 2026, organised by Opesh Group at the Hyatt Regency Jaipur Mansarovar in Rajasthan, India, on October 21-22.
Addressing a gathering of investors, entrepreneurs and business executives, Koroma thanked the organisers for inviting Sierra Leone to participate in the high-level event and for recognising the country’s investment potential.
He encouraged Indian businesses to expand into Sierra Leone and take advantage of opportunities in key sectors, including mining, agriculture, trade and other areas of economic activity.
The Labour Minister stressed the critical role of investment in creating jobs, expanding businesses and improving livelihoods, assuring prospective investors of the Government’s commitment to supporting genuine business engagements.
He further promoted Sierra Leone as an emerging investment destination in Africa, noting that stronger economic ties between India and African countries could drive sustainable growth and employment generation.
Koroma also welcomed Opesh Group’s initiative to link investors with opportunities across global markets and commended its ambition to expand its network to more than 15 countries. He expressed optimism that the engagement would encourage investors to consider Sierra Leone as part of their future investment plans.
The minister’s participation formed part of efforts to showcase Sierra Leone’s investment opportunities, facilitate business-to-government and business-to-business engagements, and attract partnerships capable of stimulating economic growth and job creation.
The two-day forum brought together investors, entrepreneurs, business leaders and international delegates to explore investment prospects, commercial cooperation and strategic partnerships across various sectors.

By Sallieu S. Kanu

The Union of Academic Staff Associations (UASA) has announced that its ongoing industrial action remains in force, citing the government’s failure to present any offer on its demand for a 100 percent salary increase for lecturers.
The announcement follows a stakeholders’ meeting convened by the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE) on October 23, 2026, at the COMAHS Secretariat Conference Room.
According to a press release issued by UASA on Friday, key officials of the ministry, including the Minister, Deputy Minister, Permanent Secretary and Chief Technical and Higher Education Officer, were absent from the meeting. The ministry was instead represented by Mr. E. J. Momoh and a few other officials.
The meeting was attended by chancellors, vice-chancellors, registrars and finance directors from some public universities, as well as members of the UASA executive.
UASA disclosed that stakeholders agreed for the harmonized Conditions of Service documents to be forwarded to the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) for approval before implementation.
On the issue of salary disparities, representatives of MTHE reportedly pledged to work with finance directors of public universities to compile relevant data and initiate the process of addressing the matter.
However, the association noted that no proposal was presented regarding its demand for a 100 percent salary increase, which it described as a prerequisite for meaningful dialogue. UASA also highlighted the absence of representatives from the Ministry of Finance at the meeting.
“As no offer has been presented by Government in relation to the demand by lecturers for a 100 percent increase in salary, the industrial action instituted by UASA remains in full force,” the association stated.
Despite maintaining its strike action, UASA reaffirmed its willingness to engage in what it described as sincere and meaningful dialogue with stakeholders aimed at resolving the impasse in the best interest of higher education in Sierra Leone.
The association also thanked parents, students and the general public for their understanding during the ongoing dispute.
UASA’s statement was signed by its Secretary-General, Abiodu Williams.

*By John Malimber Kanu

Sierra Leonean-owned coffee and cocoa processing company, House of Beans, has received national recognition at this year’s World Food Day commemoration for its outstanding contribution to agricultural value addition and promotion of local content.

The company was presented with a Certificate of Recognition for Excellence in Agricultural Value Addition, Improved Food Processing and Packaging, and Promotion of Locally Produced Agricultural Products.

The award was presented at a high-level national ceremony held in the presence of His Excellency the President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, cabinet ministers, development partners and stakeholders in the agriculture and food security sector.

This national honour marks a significant milestone for House of Beans, which in recent years has distinguished itself as a pioneer in transforming Sierra Leone’s premium coffee and cocoa beans into finished, high-quality products for both domestic and international markets.

Speaking after receiving the award, the Chief Executive Officer of House of Beans Mr John Shallop described the recognition as a validation of years of investment in local processing, quality assurance, and farmer empowerment.

“We are extremely honoured. This award reaffirms our commitment to proving that Sierra Leone can produce world-class products from our own coffee and cocoa. It is a win for our farmers who produce the finest beans, our employees who maintain high standards, and our customers who believe in Made-in-Sierra Leone,” CEO John Shallop said.

Mr Shallop noted that the company’s model goes beyond business, contributing to job creation, import substitution, and increased income for farming communities across the country.

Stakeholders in the agricultural sector have welcomed the award as timely, noting that value addition remains critical to achieving food security and economic transformation in Sierra Leone.

With this recognition, House of Beans now officially joins the list of award-winning indigenous brands championing Sierra Leone on the global stage.

By Sallieu S. Kanu

MAGBURAKA, Tonkolili District: Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka, has commended Pee Cee & Sons for its significant investment in agriculture, describing the company’s contribution to the government’s flagship Feed Salone initiative as a major step toward strengthening domestic food production, reducing dependence on imports and advancing Sierra Leone’s food self-sufficiency agenda.
Speaking during the World Food Day celebration in Magburaka on Thursday, October 22, 2026, Dr. Kpaka praised President Julius Maada Bio’s leadership in encouraging private-sector participation in agriculture, noting that Pee Cee & Sons had demonstrated how commercial investment could support national development priorities and economic transformation.
This year’s celebration, held under the theme “Innovate Today, Nourish Tomorrow,” highlighted the need for innovation, sustainable farming practices and stronger collaboration among government, businesses and farmers to achieve food security.
According to the minister, the government’s engagement with the private sector is beginning to yield positive results, with more companies entering agricultural production. He singled out Pee Cee & Sons as a model of private-sector participation that other businesses could emulate.
Dr. Kpaka said increased investment by private companies has the potential to boost productivity, create jobs and expand the availability of locally produced food.
“Before now, food prices were high, but it is better now. Before now, onions were a problem when I took office as minister. We have reduced the importation of onions,” he said.
The minister further noted that Sierra Leone is witnessing improvements in food production and affordability, which he attributed to government interventions and increased private-sector involvement in agriculture.
“This is the first time in the history of Sierra Leone that food prices are going down,” Dr. Kpaka stated, adding that food imports had declined during the past three years while approximately 22,000 jobs were created in 2026 through the Feed Salone programme.
He said the figures reflect the government’s commitment to tackling food insecurity, expanding employment opportunities and improving livelihoods through sustained agricultural investment.
Pee Cee Agriculture Expands Local Food Production
Pee Cee & Sons, through its subsidiary Pee Cee Agriculture Limited, has expanded its operations beyond consumer goods, manufacturing and distribution into commercial agriculture.
The company’s investment aligns with the objectives of the Feed Salone programme, which seeks to strengthen domestic food production, reduce Sierra Leone’s reliance on imported food and improve resilience against external economic shocks.
The importance of local agricultural investment became more evident following the COVID-19 pandemic, which exposed vulnerabilities associated with heavy dependence on imported food and disruptions in international supply chains.
Pee Cee Agriculture currently operates a commercial farm at Loko Masama in Lungi, where it cultivates onions, maize and potatoes. The farm reportedly cultivates about 70 hectares twice annually, representing approximately 140 hectare-cropping cycles each year, with plans to expand into a fully mechanised 500-hectare operation.
The company has also secured significant financial backing, including a reported US$12 million loan from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to support the development of its agricultural operations. The investment is expected to boost production capacity, improve efficiency and increase the availability of locally grown produce.
Pee Cee Agriculture’s long-term objective includes meeting a substantial portion of the country’s onion demand, a move that could reduce import dependency, save foreign exchange and improve the stability of local food supplies.
Beyond commercial farming, the company’s activities are expected to generate rural employment, increase opportunities for women in agriculture and support local farmers through partnerships and training initiatives.
The company has also reportedly collaborated with Njala University and the Ministry of Agriculture on research programmes and contract-farming training for smallholder farmers, helping to bridge large-scale investment with community-based agricultural development.
Supporting Feed Salone Objectives
Dr. Kpaka’s recognition of Pee Cee & Sons reflects the government’s broader effort to encourage businesses to view agriculture as a commercially viable sector capable of creating jobs, supporting local industries and driving economic growth.
For farmers, increased private-sector participation provides opportunities for market access, improved farming techniques, training and more predictable demand for produce. For consumers, stronger domestic production could help cushion the impact of international commodity price fluctuations and supply disruptions.
The World Food Day event also underscored the importance of complementing commercial agriculture with improved seeds, mechanisation, irrigation systems, agricultural research, post-harvest management and targeted support for smallholder farmers.
Observers say Pee Cee Agriculture’s expansion illustrates how strategic private-sector investment, backed by financing, technical expertise and collaboration with public institutions, can contribute meaningfully to national food-security goals.
Looking Ahead
The commendation places Pee Cee & Sons among the private-sector entities being recognised for helping advance the Feed Salone agenda.
Dr. Kpaka stressed that sustainable agricultural transformation would require continued collaboration among government, investors, farmers and communities.
The World Food Day celebration provided an opportunity to highlight progress made under Feed Salone while drawing attention to the need for further investment in production, rural infrastructure, storage facilities, processing capacity and market access.
As Sierra Leone continues its pursuit of food self-sufficiency, Pee Cee Agriculture’s operations are increasingly being viewed as an example of how commercial farming can complement smallholder agriculture, create jobs and contribute to national development objectives.
Through the Feed Salone initiative, the government aims to build a resilient agricultural sector capable of strengthening food supplies, reducing import dependence and protecting the country from external economic shocks. Dr. Kpaka’s commendation of Pee Cee & Sons serves as further recognition of the critical role private-sector investment can play in achieving that vision.

By Ibrahim S. Bangura

Members of Taylor’s Bubu Cultural Organisation have called on the Government of Sierra Leone to provide greater support for traditional musicians, warning that Bubu music could face extinction if urgent measures are not taken to preserve the cultural art form.
Speaking to this newspaper on Sunday, October 11, 2026, the organisation’s Chief Executive Officer, Ibrahim Sorie Kamara, expressed concern over the declining interest among young people in learning and sustaining the tradition.
He said the lack of financial support and recognition has discouraged many youths from embracing Bubu music, despite its importance to Sierra Leone’s cultural identity.
“We have a very limited number of young people willing to learn the music and continue the tradition. Our country is at risk. If we become too old to perform and there is nobody to replace us, the tradition may disappear,” Kamara warned.
According to him, many young people are instead turning to football, which he said enjoys greater government support and offers more opportunities for financial stability.
“Young people see footballers receiving support from the government and earning a decent living from the sport, but traditional musicians do not receive the same level of support. Sometimes we are invited to perform at official events and are not even reimbursed for transportation costs. This has happened many times,” he stated.
Kamara, who has been involved in Bubu music since 1998, explained that Taylor’s Bubu Cultural Organisation was established in 2002 and performs both traditional and contemporary musical pieces. He noted that members of the group, who are mainly tailors by profession, collectively contribute ideas and help direct songs based on their experience and creative abilities.
He also challenged what he described as negative stereotypes surrounding traditional musicians, including perceptions that they are school dropouts.
“We are not dropouts. We are preserving our culture to ensure it does not die. Every member of this group is skilled and professionally trained. We have contractors, teachers, tailors and other professionals among us. The notion that traditional musicians are uneducated is simply untrue,” he said.
Kamara stressed that preserving cultural heritage requires commitment and sacrifice, adding that members of the group remain dedicated to promoting Sierra Leone’s traditions despite the challenges they face.
He called on the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, development partners and humanitarian organisations to support traditional music groups through funding, capacity building and increased performance opportunities.
Meanwhile, 14-year-old Abass I. Kamara, who joined the organisation in 2024, said participation in Bubu music has had a positive impact on both his personal development and academic performance.
According to him, involvement in the traditional music group has not interfered with his education but has instead improved his concentration and ability to perform under pressure.
“I have loved Bubu music since childhood. Now that I have joined the group, it is helping me achieve excellent results in school. Music helps me concentrate and work effectively under pressure,” he said.
The teenager also encouraged his peers to embrace traditional music and appealed for support to help preserve the cultural practice for future generations.
“We need support from the government and anyone willing to help us preserve this tradition and encourage more young people to become involved,” he added.
The appeal comes amid growing concerns among cultural practitioners about the future of traditional arts and the need for greater investment in preserving Sierra Leone’s rich cultural heritage.

By Ibrahim S. Bangura

PORT LOKO, Sierra Leone – Palama Rehabilitation Home has marked its first anniversary with a renewed call for stronger partnerships and increased support to address mental health challenges and substance abuse among young people in Sierra Leone.
The anniversary celebration, held on Saturday, October 10, 2026, coincided with World Mental Health Day and brought together representatives from ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), civil society organisations (CSOs), mental health practitioners and cultural experts.
Palama Rehabilitation Home, regarded as the first and only rehabilitation facility in Port Loko District, provides care and support for people living with mental health challenges, individuals affected by substance abuse and other vulnerable members of society.
Participants at the event reflected on the importance of rehabilitation, community support and the reintegration of individuals recovering from substance abuse, while emphasizing the need for collective action to tackle growing social challenges affecting young people.
Speaking at the ceremony, the founder of the rehabilitation home, Hon. Ibrahim Rashid Bundu, reaffirmed his commitment to public service and supporting vulnerable groups despite his retirement from active politics.
“I am a retired politician, but I am not tired,” Bundu remarked, drawing laughter from attendees as he underscored his determination to continue serving society after more than two decades in public life.
He explained that the facility was established in response to the growing prevalence of mental health disorders and substance abuse, which he described as serious national concerns requiring coordinated intervention.
According to Bundu, the residential rehabilitation centre provides counselling, guidance, education and rehabilitation services aimed at helping individuals recover and reintegrate into their communities.
He disclosed plans to introduce vocational training programmes, including arts, catering, gara tie-dyeing and tailoring, to equip residents with practical skills and promote self-reliance.
“We want to introduce arts, catering, gara tie-dyeing and tailoring at the home. Recovery requires appropriate management, preparation and support to enable individuals to return to their families and communities and live productive lives. We need support to actualise these dreams for our future generations,” he said.
Bundu noted that the institution has adequate space to accommodate vocational training and other developmental activities but requires additional resources and qualified personnel to implement the programmes effectively.
He reported that several beneficiaries have shown significant improvement after months of rehabilitation, highlighting the value of sustained care, counselling and community support in the recovery process.
The former parliamentarian urged Sierra Leoneans to stop stigmatizing individuals struggling with substance abuse, stressing that they should be supported rather than isolated.
“Effective rehabilitation requires trained personnel, vocational instructors, appropriate facilities and other essential resources. We are therefore calling for support in these areas,” he appealed.
Bundu also encouraged skilled professionals and volunteers to contribute their expertise to the initiative, describing Palama Rehabilitation Home as a growing humanitarian project that depends on community involvement and partnership.
Also addressing the gathering, Sajoh Jalloh, Chief Executive of the Veteran Artists Association of Sierra Leone, pledged to provide training in acrobatics and cultural dance for young residents at the facility.
He said the programmes would help build self-esteem, develop talents and create livelihood opportunities for beneficiaries while contributing to their mental well-being. Jalloh, a respected trainer in the field, has mentored many of Sierra Leone’s leading gymnasts and acrobats, some of whom later secured scholarships to further their studies and training in China.
Mental health expert Lucy Lamin commended Bundu for establishing the rehabilitation home and praised his commitment to supporting vulnerable members of society.
Reflecting on the 2026 World Mental Health Day theme, “Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change,” Lamin emphasized the importance of creating platforms for people with lived experiences to share their stories and contribute to shaping solutions.
She noted that listening to affected individuals is critical to understanding the challenges they face and developing effective responses to mental health and substance abuse issues.
Lamin further stressed that collaborative initiatives such as Palama Rehabilitation Home can play a significant role in reducing the impact of mental health disorders and substance abuse among young people, while promoting recovery, inclusion and social reintegration.
The event concluded with renewed calls for government agencies, development partners, civil society organisations and private individuals to support rehabilitation programmes and strengthen mental health services across the country.

By Ibrahim S. Bangura

Bahir Dar, Ethiopia, October 24, 2026: Former President of Sierra Leone, Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma, has joined African heads of state, policymakers, diplomats and security experts at the 12th Tana High-Level Forum on Security in Africa, underway in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia, from October 23 to 25.
Held under the theme, “Pathways to Peace in Africa: Economic Sovereignty and Geopolitical Transformation,” the annual forum is focusing on some of the continent’s most pressing peace and security challenges amid shifting global alliances, prolonged conflicts and growing competition over strategic resources.
Discussions are taking place against the backdrop of ongoing instability in several parts of Africa, particularly in the Horn of Africa, where the conflict in Sudan, insecurity in Somalia and South Sudan, and rising regional tensions continue to threaten stability and development efforts.
This year’s forum is examining the link between economic sovereignty and sustainable peace, exploring how African nations can strengthen control over their natural resources, financial systems and strategic priorities to reduce vulnerability and enhance self-reliance.
President Koroma, whose tenure was marked by post-conflict reconstruction and development initiatives, is expected to contribute to a high-level panel discussion titled “From the Margins to the Centre: Building an African Model for Peace and Sovereignty in an Age of Geopolitical Rivalry.”
The panel will explore strategies for strengthening economic independence, transforming resource wealth into sustainable development, deepening regional cooperation and building resilient institutions capable of advancing African-led solutions to peace and security challenges.
Participants at the forum are also expected to deliberate on practical measures aimed at strengthening conflict prevention mechanisms, enhancing mediation efforts and reinforcing African ownership of the continent’s peace and security architecture.
President Koroma’s participation underscores his continued engagement in continental affairs and his commitment to promoting peace, good governance and sustainable development across Africa.
The Tana Forum is widely regarded as one of Africa’s leading platforms for high-level dialogue on peace and security, bringing together political leaders, academics, civil society actors and international partners to address emerging challenges facing the continent.

By Sallieu S. Kanu

Sierra Leone has recorded significant progress in its Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) preparedness, improving its national readiness score from 51 percent in May 2026 to 83 percent in October 2026.
The achievement reflects sustained government leadership, institutional commitment and strong collaboration among public health stakeholders and development partners in strengthening the country’s health security systems.
Speaking on the latest assessment results, Minister of Health, Dr. Austin Demby, commended the progress made but cautioned against complacency, stressing that an 83 percent preparedness level remains insufficient in the face of a deadly disease such as Ebola.
While acknowledging the gains achieved, the Minister emphasised the need for urgent action to address the remaining gaps in the country’s preparedness framework. He tasked the Executive Director of the National Public Health Agency (NPHA), Prof. Brig. Gen. Foday Sahr, with ensuring that all critical interventions are implemented to strengthen Sierra Leone’s ability to prevent, detect and respond effectively to potential Ebola outbreaks.
Responding to the directive, Prof. Sahr reaffirmed the NPHA’s commitment to closing the identified gaps through targeted interventions, enhanced coordination and greater accountability across key technical pillars.
He further disclosed that a follow-up readiness assessment will be conducted within the next month to evaluate progress made through the planned interventions, verify improvements and identify any outstanding challenges requiring attention.
Health authorities say the improvement from 51 percent to 83 percent marks an important milestone in the country’s preparedness efforts. However, they emphasised that preparedness goes beyond assessment scores and requires resilient systems, trained personnel and informed communities capable of responding effectively during public health emergencies.
As Sierra Leone continues to strengthen its health security architecture, officials maintain that priority attention will be focused on translating assessment findings into concrete actions, closing operational gaps and sustaining the gains already achieved.
The country’s health leadership has underscored that while the 83 percent readiness score is encouraging, bridging the remaining 17 percent gap remains critical to safeguarding Sierra Leone against future Ebola threats and other public health emergencies.

By Fatima Kpaka

President Dr. Julius Maada Bio and United States Chargé d’Affaires Meghan Moore on Friday toured the site of the Nant Power Project in Kissy, a major energy infrastructure development expected to significantly improve electricity supply in Freetown.
According to a statement from the United States Embassy in Freetown, the 108.4-megawatt power plant is currently under construction and is scheduled for completion in September 2027.
Once operational, the facility is expected to provide electricity to approximately 80 percent of Freetown, helping to address longstanding power challenges in the capital and supporting economic growth and industrial development.
The project, valued at $417 million, is being financed through a partnership that includes a $292 million loan from the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), underscoring continued cooperation between Sierra Leone and the United States in advancing critical infrastructure and energy security.
During the visit last Friday, President Bio and Chargé d’Affaires Moore received updates on the progress of construction and the anticipated impact of the project on households, businesses and public services across the capital.
The Nant Power Project is expected to strengthen Sierra Leone’s electricity generation capacity, improve reliability of supply and contribute to the government’s broader agenda of expanding access to affordable and sustainable energy.
Background
The Nant Power Project is one of the largest private-sector-led energy investments in Sierra Leone’s history. The initiative aims to increase the country’s generation capacity and modernize electricity infrastructure to meet growing demand in Freetown and surrounding communities.
Access to reliable electricity remains a key challenge in Sierra Leone, with businesses and households often facing frequent power interruptions and high energy costs. The completion of the 108.4-megawatt facility is expected to ease pressure on the national grid, enhance economic productivity and support the country’s long-term development goals.
The project also reflects deepening U.S.-Sierra Leone cooperation in the energy sector, with the DFC financing designed to mobilize investment in infrastructure projects that promote economic growth, job creation and improved living standards.
When completed in 2027, the Nant Power Project is expected to become a cornerstone of Sierra Leone’s efforts to achieve greater energy security and expand electricity access across the capital city.

Background :

In Sierra Leone, the common law forms part of our sources of law, as in accordance with section 170(1e & 2) of the 1991 Constitution of Act No. 6. The common law of Sierra Leone includes the rule of law generally known as the common law, the rules of law general known as the doctrines of equity and the rule of customary law including those determined by the Superior Court of Judicature as provided for in the aforementioned provisions.

Section 74 of the Court Act 1965 of Act No. 31 provides that the common law, the doctrines of equity, and the statutes of general application in force in England on the 1st day of January, 1880, shall be in force in Sierra Leone subject to the provisions of the 1991 Constitution of Act No.6.

The common-law method of trial is often described as ‘adversary or accusatorial system’ as distinct from the continental ‘inquisitorial’ method. The essence of the distinction is that, whereas in the inquisitorial system, the dominant role is played by the court, while in the adversary system, it is played by the parties or their legal representatives.

In the adversary system, as in Sierra Leone, the judge is supposed to remain a passive and mainly silent umpire, listening to the evidence produced by the two parties thereto. The parties decide what witnesses, and if both sides decide not to call a witness who has potentially relevant evidence, there is nothing the court will do about same.

In an adversary legal system, the burden of preparing the case and presenting it falls on the parties themselves or their lawyers, which means that a party without a lawyer is at a distinct disadvantage.

The function of the judge is to hear both sides and pass judgement and not to control the gathering of evidence or to dictate the issues nor to try to effect a settlement between the parties. By contrast, in the inquisitorial system, as in France, the judge calls the witnesses and examines them, while the parties or their lawyers play a supporting or subsidiary role.

Legal Issues :

There are several legal issues around this topic, but for the purpose of public policy consideration, I will proffer an opinion on the following issues:

1. The role of a common law judge in an adversarial system.
2. The legal effect of the involvement of a judge in the adversarial legal system.
3. The mixed legal system or hybrid legal system and its application in Sierra Leone.

Documents :

In providing this opinion, I reviewed the following;

1. The 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone of Act No. 6.
2. The 1965 Court Act of Sierra Leone of Act No. 31.
3. The English Legal System, third edition by Penny Darbyshire (Nutshells).
4. Smith and Bailey on the Modern English Legal System (Second Edition).
5. Cases and Materials on the English Legal System – Michael Zander (Seventh Edition).
6. Jones v National Coal Board [1957] 2 QB 55, CA.
7. R v Perks [1973] Crim LR 388.
8. Gunning [1980] Crim LR 592.
9. R v Ptohopoulos [1968] Crim LR 52.
10. R v Hamilton [1969] Crim LR 486.
11. Prof. Madhuku Lectures on the ‘Common Law Adversarial Legal System.

My Opinion :

In giving my opinion, I will analyse the current legal provisions and make an application to Sierra Legal System based on the common law and relevant statutory provisions as in the following:

The 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone of Act No. 6 and the 1965 Court Act of Sierra Leone of Act No. 31:

In accordance with Section 170(1e & 2) of Act No. 6. of 1991 as aforementioned provides for the sources of laws in Sierra Leone, which includes but is not limited to the common law. Sierra Leone common law includes the general common law, the rules of law generally known as the doctrines of equity, and the rules of customary law, including those determined by the Superior Court of Judicature. Section 74 of the Court Act 1965 of Act No. 31. makes provisions for certain laws of England to apply in Sierra Leone which includes, the common law, the doctrines of equity, and the statutes of general application in force in England on the 1st day of January, 1880 shall be in force in Sierra Leone subject to the provisions of the constitution and any other enactment.

The English common law is one of the main sources of our laws in Sierra Leone, and it is mainly a case law precedent rotted in the legal doctrine of Stare Decisis. Generally, the common law system relies extensively and/or heavily on the adversarial legal system. In the adversarial system, the parties have the duty to prove their case. The judge will be watching the parties doing their case and later confirm whether the party has met the required burden and standard of proof.

The role of a common law judge in an adversarial system:

In the adversary system, the judge is supposed to remain a passive and mainly silent umpire, listening to the evidence produced by the two parties. The function of the judge is to hear both sides and pass judgment. It is not to control the gathering of evidence or to dictate the issues nor to try to effect a settlement between the parties.

The adversarial legal system rests on the premise that impartial judges guide proceedings, ensure fair play, and render decisions based on evidence and legal standards presented by opposing sides. In Sierra Leone, the judge’s role is not to advocate for a position but to supervise the process, interpret the law, and safeguard due process with all fairness.
In an adversarial system, truth is pursued through a contest rather than an inquiry by a single investigator. The judge serves as a neutral arbiter, balancing competing claims while applying statutes, rules of evidence, and constitutional protections. Key principles include neutrality of the judge, duty to enforce fair procedures by the judge, and the limits on judicial overreach. Judges must resist external pressures, including political or public opinion, to preserve a fair playing field for both sides.

During trial, a judge sets the framework for admissible evidence, governs witness examination, and ensures timely progression of the case. They issue rulings on motions, determine the admissibility of expert testimony, and manage courtroom logistics to keep proceedings orderly and efficient. The judge’s role is to limit prejudice, manage distractions, and ensure that both sides have a fair opportunity to present their case.
Judges also act as engine rooms for strict procedural control. They supervise jury selection, instruct juries on the applicable law, and monitor conduct to prevent corruption or coercion. When the trial involves criminal charges, the judge must uphold the defendant’s rights, including the presumption of innocence and the right to a fair trial, while also safeguarding the public interest in a just outcome.

Impartiality is the bedrock of trust in the judiciary. Judges must disclose potential conflicts and, if necessary, recuse themselves to avoid perception or reality of bias. They should approach each case with an open mind, avoid preconceptions, and base rulings solely on evidence and applicable law.

Due process requires that procedures be fair and predictable. Judges ensure notice to all parties, opportunities to be heard, and a meaningful chance to present defences. In criminal cases, this extends to the rights of the accused to confront witnesses, access counsel, and appeal decisions. In civil matters, due process supports equitable treatment and transparent decision-making processes.
Judicial decisions should be grounded in clear, logical reasoning.

Judges articulate the legal standard applied, explain how evidence supports or undermines specific conclusions, and reference controlling statutes and precedents.
Communication style matters. Judges foster respectful, orderly discourse, manage attorney conduct, and keep litigation focused on relevant issues. Clear, non-inflammatory rulings help counsel adjust strategies and prepare for appeals. Judges also give jury instructions that translate complex legal concepts into understandable guidance for verdicts.

Judges collaborate with court staff to supervise courtroom operations, manage calendars, and coordinate resources. In diverse cases involving science, technology, or specialized industries, judges may rely on expert witnesses or court-appointed specialists to aid understanding while remaining vigilant against bias or overreliance on technical testimony.

The legal effect of the unlawful involvement of a judge in the adversarial legal system:

Lord Denning MR, giving the judgment of the court in the case of Jones v National Coal Board [1957] 2 QB 55,CA ‘the judge sits to hear and determine the issues raised by the parties, not to conduct an investigation or examination on behalf of society at large. Lord Greene MR explained that justice is best done by a judge who holds the balance between the contending parties without himself taking part in their disputations, if the judge goes beyond this; the judge might be dropping the mantel of a judge and assumes the robe of an advocate.

Lord Chancellor Bacon spoke right when he said that: ‘patience and gravity of hearing is an essential part of justice and an overs-peaking judge in no well-tuned cymbal’. In Gunning [1980] Crim LR 592 , the conviction was quash where the judge asked 165 questions and the court said that a large number of interruptions put the court on notice of the possibility of a denial of justice but the critical issue was not the number but the quality of the interventions.
In R v Ptohopoulos [1978] Crim LR 52, the court said that ‘nor will the court interfere merely on the ground that the judge has been guilty of discourtesy to counsel to counsel, the court according to Lord Parker LCJ in the case of Hamilton [1969] said the court would overturn a conviction on account of excessive intervention by a judge. On a point of law, however, the adversary system works on the basis that the court is not supposed to go beyond the arguments presented by the parties.
Exceptions of the rules of the adversary system:
There are, however, some exceptions to the general rule that the court leaves it to the parties to make their case.

1. Prosecution Disclosure: There are rules under the adversarial legal system that require the prosecution to reveal to the defence material that tends to undermine the prosecution case.
2. Court may act of its own motion: there are considerable number of situations where the rules specifically permit the court to act ‘of its own motion’ as well as on the application by the parties. The court may order anyone who has improperly or unnecessarily been a party to cease to be a party or to order anyone who ought to have been a party to be joined, though no one can be made a plaintiff without his/her consent, the court may order any document in the proceeding to be amended for the purposes of determining the real question in controversy between the parties.
3. Professional rules of conduct: another exception to the rule that it is for the parties to make their case in the rule of professional conduct which places limits on the extent to which a lawyer can knowingly lend himself to the deception or disrespected to the bench.

Note : Settlement and guilty pleas may avoid the adversary system.

The mixed legal system or hybrid legal system and its application in Sierra Leone:

Mixed legal systems present a fascinating intersection of diverse legal traditions, merging the principles of common law, civil law, and customary law within a single framework. This hybrid approach not only reflects a society’s unique historical circumstances but also shapes its contemporary legal landscape.
Mixed legal systems are defined as legal frameworks that incorporate elements from multiple legal traditions, typically blending aspects of common law, civil law, and customary law. This integration arises from historical interactions between various legal cultures.
Section 170 (1) of the 1991 constitution of Act No. 6 provides that the sources of law in Sierra Leone includes, the constitution, laws made by or under the authority of parliament, any orders, rules, regulations and other statutory instruments, the existing laws and the common law which includes rules of customary laws.

Conclusion :

Sierra Leone, in my opinion, purely operates under a mixed or hybrid legal system, which is a mixture of common law, statutory law, and customary law. In mixed legal systems, judges play a pivotal role in interpreting dual legal traditions, which include civil law, common law, and indigenous or customary laws.

Their primary responsibility is to navigate and reconcile these intertwined legal sources to deliver coherent rulings. Judges must understand and apply principles from both legal traditions, often balancing their sometimes contrasting doctrine and methodologies.

In doing so, they exercise a degree of judicial discretion, allowing flexibility in applying laws across different context.
adaptability is vital in ensuring justice, especially when legal provisions may conflict or require contextual interpretation within a mixed legal framework. In practice, judges navigate the duality by applying statutory laws while also considering judicial precedents were relevant.

Furthermore, judges in mixed legal systems must recognize the importance of social-cultural contexts that influence legal interpretation. Judges may resort to customary or indigenous laws, alongside formal statutes balancing modern legal standards with traditional practices.