The Court of Appeal has recorded another milestone in Sierra Leone’s justice sector by delivering seven judgments during a week-long sitting in Makeni City, underscoring the Judiciary’s commitment to decentralizing appellate justice and making the legal system more accessible to citizens across the country.
The sitting, held on 22 July 2026, marked the first time the Court of Appeal has delivered seven judgments in Makeni, reflecting ongoing efforts by the Judiciary to extend appellate services beyond Freetown and reduce the challenges faced by litigants in the provinces.
The appellate panel was presided over by Honourable Justice Abdulai M. Bangurah, a Justice of the Supreme Court, alongside Honourable Justice Jamesina J. King, JA, Honourable Justice Michael P. Mami, JA and Honourable Justice Aiah Simeon Allieu, JA. The Justices concluded several appeals and heard urgent applications during the week-long judicial session in Bombali District.
The provincial sitting forms part of the vision of Honourable Chief Justice Komba Kamanda, whose judicial reform agenda seeks to bring justice closer to the people by expanding Court of Appeal sittings to regional centres across Sierra Leone.
During the proceedings, the Court delivered seven judgments covering a variety of legal matters, including divorce petitions and land ownership disputes. In addition, the Court heard an urgent application for a stay of execution, which was granted after carefully considering submissions presented by counsel representing the parties.
The decisions brought closure to several long-standing legal disputes while demonstrating the Court’s commitment to ensuring timely and effective administration of justice.
One of the appellants, who requested anonymity, commended the Judiciary for taking appellate justice to the provinces, describing the initiative as a meaningful step toward improving access to justice.
“Indeed, this is practical justice and I wish the Honourable Chief Justice can grant me the opportunity to appreciate and commend his leadership,” the appellant stated.
Legal observers have noted that provincial Court of Appeal sittings significantly reduce the financial and logistical burdens on litigants, lawyers and witnesses who would otherwise be required to travel to Freetown to pursue appeals. The initiative also promotes quicker resolution of cases while enhancing public confidence in the justice system.
The Judiciary has increasingly prioritized decentralization as part of broader judicial reforms aimed at strengthening the rule of law, improving efficiency and ensuring that justice is accessible to all Sierra Leoneans regardless of their geographical location.
The week-long Makeni sitting was fully funded by the Judiciary of Sierra Leone, with support from the Government of Sierra Leone, reaffirming the Judiciary’s commitment to strengthening the administration of justice nationwide.
The successful conclusion of the Makeni session further highlights the Judiciary’s determination to modernize the country’s justice delivery system while ensuring that appellate services are brought closer to communities across Sierra Leone.
