By Amin Kef (Ranger)
The Judiciary of Sierra Leone witnessed a historic moment on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, as the Sierra Leone Court Reporters Association (SLCRA) held its first Annual General Meeting (AGM) in 17 years. Despite the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces Day public holiday halting regular court sittings, a special court session was convened at Court No. 1, Pademba Road Courts, to mark the milestone event.
Justice Momoh-Jah Stevens presided over the session, alongside Magistrates Sahr Kekura and Santigie Bangura, with the Judiciary’s Head of Communications and Public Relations, Elkass I.L. Sannoh, in attendance. The SLCRA delegation was led by its President, Salifu I.B.S. Conteh and Vice President, Jane Mansaray, while the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) was represented by its President, Ahmed Sahid Nasralla, Secretary General Alhaji Manika Kamara and Financial Secretary Mohamed Konneh.
In his opening remarks, SLCRA President, Salifu Conteh, emphasized the necessity of professional training in court reporting, noting that court reporters are not mere social media commentators but key contributors to judicial transparency. He urged reporters to deepen their understanding of legal frameworks, including the newly enacted Criminal Procedure Act 2024, to enhance the accuracy of judicial reporting.
Delivering the keynote address, Justice Momoh-Jah Stevens underscored the significance of court reporting in strengthening judicial accountability and transparency. He highlighted the necessity for court reporters to be well-versed in procedures across all levels of the judiciary; from the Magistrate Court to the Supreme Court. Stressing the importance of factual and impartial reporting, he called on SLAJ to collaborate with international partners, such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), to facilitate capacity-building initiatives for court reporters.
Justice Momoh-Jah Stevens reaffirmed the Judiciary’s commitment to an open-door policy under Chief Justice Komba Kamanda, assuring court reporters of continued engagement to ensure accuracy in judicial reportage. He also encouraged reporters to uphold ethical standards, emphasizing that professional reporting plays a crucial role in fostering public confidence in the judiciary.
Magistrate Sahr Kekura provided insights into the rules governing Magistrate Court proceedings, highlighting common legal misunderstandings among reporters. He clarified terminologies such as ‘discharged’ versus ‘acquitted and discharged’ and reinforced that bail remains free unless specific legal grounds dictate otherwise.
Magistrate Santigie Bangura, in his submission, elaborated on the critical role of court reporters in shaping public perception of the judiciary. He emphasized that accurate, responsible reporting strengthens judicial credibility and enhances transparency in the legal system.
SLAJ Secretary General Alhaji Manika Kamara commended SLCRA for successfully organizing its first AGM, attributing the milestone achievement to financial support from the government’s annual subvention to SLAJ. He encouraged court reporters to formalize their SLAJ membership, as eligibility for leadership roles within SLCRA is contingent on affiliation with the parent body.
SLAJ President Ahmed Sahid Nasralla extended gratitude to the Judiciary for its continued support of court reporters and called for greater collaboration between SLAJ and the Judiciary to advance ethical court reporting. As he nears the end of his tenure, he expressed appreciation for the trust placed in him by the media fraternity over the past five years.
The event concluded with a constitutional review session, moderated by lawyer Edward Ishmail Saidu Kanu of Davies & Dainkeh Law Firm, setting the stage for SLCRA’s operational framework moving forward. The AGM was adjourned to the same time next year, marking the beginning of a new era for court reporting in Sierra Leone.
With the Judiciary’s firm backing and the commitment of stakeholders, Justice Momoh-Jah Stevens’ call for enhanced professionalism and training in court reporting is expected to drive meaningful progress in the sector.
