Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to Ireland and former Chief Justice, Justice Desmond Babatunde Edwards, has been honoured with the prestigious 2026 West Africa Heroes Award in recognition of his remarkable contributions to judicial reform, access to justice and the promotion of the rule of law in Sierra Leone and beyond.
The award was presented during a distinguished ceremony held at the Freetown International Conference Centre in Aberdeen, where Ambassador Justice Desmond Babatunde Edwards was celebrated for his decades of dedicated public service and transformational leadership within the judiciary.
Before ascending to the position of Chief Justice, Ambassador Justice Desmond Babatunde Edwards built an extensive judicial career spanning over two decades. He was appointed as a High Court Judge in 2006 and later elevated to the Court of Appeal in 2015, before assuming office as Chief Justice in 2018.
Prior to joining the Bench, he served as the first Head of the Litigation Unit at the National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT), where he played a pivotal role in establishing both the Medical Appeals Tribunal and the Social Security Appeals Tribunal, helping to strengthen institutional justice mechanisms in Sierra Leone.
During his tenure as Chief Justice, Ambassador Justice Desmond Babatunde Edwards became widely recognized for pioneering key judicial reforms aimed at improving access to justice and strengthening public confidence in the legal system. Under his leadership, the judiciary introduced specialized courts, including the Sexual Offences Model Court, Anti-Corruption Court and Social Security Court, alongside the establishment of Mobile Courts across every district in Sierra Leone to enhance justice delivery.
He also distinguished himself as a strong advocate for transparency within the judiciary by opening court proceedings to greater media access. That landmark move earned him recognition from the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), making him the only Chief Justice in Sierra Leone to receive an award from the media body.
In further recognition of his contributions to journalism and court reporting, SLAJ later instituted the Chief Justice Desmond Babatunde Edwards Award in Court Reporting, acknowledging his unwavering support for media development and the nationwide training of court reporters.
Beyond Sierra Leone, Ambassador Justice Desmond Babatunde Edwards also served internationally as a Judge of the Residual Special Court for Sierra Leone after being sworn in in 2016. His distinguished service later earned him election as Staff Appeals Judge in 2022, further elevating Sierra Leone’s presence in international justice systems.
His achievements also gained continental recognition when the African Bar Association honoured him in 2023 for his contributions to legal education, access to justice and the promotion of the rule of law across Africa.
Ambassador Justice Desmond Babatunde Edwards has equally been commended for championing women’s and children’s rights, particularly his advocacy against sexual and gender-based violence. His sustained efforts to support women and girls’ empowerment earned him additional honours in both 2021 and 2022.
The 2026 West Africa Heroes Award now adds to a growing list of recognitions celebrating Ambassador Justice Desmond Babatunde Edwards’ enduring legacy of judicial excellence, institutional reform and commitment to justice in Sierra Leone and internationally.
