By Alvin Lansana Kargbo
The Sierra Leone Bar Association, on Tuesday July 16, 2024 convened its Extra-Ordinary General Meeting at Cathedral House in Freetown. The meeting saw the attendance of paid-up members of the Association, alongside notable dignitaries such as the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas, Minister of Transport and Aviation, Alhaji Fanday Turay, Minister of Technology and Innovation, Salima Monorma Bah, the Deputy Minister of Mines, Umaru Napoleon Koroma, the Anti Corruption Commissioner, Francis Ben Kaifala and the Press Secretary, Yusuf Keketoma Sandy among others.
The significant gathering aimed to address critical matters pertinent to the legal profession in Sierra Leone, including potential policy changes, updates on ongoing initiatives and discussions on key issues affecting the legal community. One of the focal points was the legitimacy of recent events at the Kenema Annual General Meeting (AGM).
The meeting reaffirmed the legal validity of the Kenema AGM, emphasizing regulatory and judicial endorsements as the ultimate arbiters of truth. Discussions highlighted corporate governance, adherence to the directives of the Corporate Affairs Directorate, and the judicial system.
The meeting, marked by the participation of numerous paid-up members, set the stage for crucial decisions impacting the future leadership and direction of the Association. Amid calls for unity and legal compliance, the profession’s reliance on established legal frameworks and institutions to resolve internal disputes was underscored.
Madam Tuma Adama Gento Kamara Esq, President of the Sierra Leone Bar Association, addressed the attendees with a message of unity and forward-thinking. She expressed her profound honor in serving as President for the next three years and emphasized the shared journey and trust that have guided their path.
Reflecting on the recent spirited electoral process in Kenema, Madam Tuma Gento Kamara acknowledged that such events often bring differences to the forefront, creating an “us versus them” mentality. However, she stressed the importance of unity and the need to remember that they are part of something greater than individual differences.
She took full responsibility for the recent criticisms aimed at the organization, assuring members that those issues are being actively addressed in collaboration with their counterparts. She extended her heartfelt gratitude to every member of the Bar Association for their unwavering support and engagement, reaching out to all members regardless of past disagreements. Madam Tuma Gento Kamara emphasized that collective strength is essential for achieving significant legal and moral victories.
The President reaffirmed her commitment to the SOAR agenda—Standards, Empowerment and Welfare. She highlighted the substantial progress made, particularly in securing land for the construction of the SLBA Secretariat, a cornerstone for the future of the Association. Since her election, Madam Tuma Gento Kamara and her team have been tirelessly working behind the scenes, engaging in meaningful dialogues with key figures such as the Inspector General of Police, the Chief Justice, the Attorney General, and the President of Sierra Leone. These meetings underscore their dedication to fostering a cooperative and supportive legal environment.
Their efforts have also extended beyond national borders. Madam Tuma Gento Kamara said she recently traveled to Ghana for the ECOWAS Court of Justice Elections and the File and System Conference, where she delivered a speech.
Additionally, she informed how a delegation was sent to Benin, where Sato Koba was elected as Treasurer of the West African Bar Association. According to her, those international engagements are vital for enhancing the Association’s stature and promoting regional cooperation.
At the Government’s Weekly Press Conference, Madam Tuma Gento Kamara stated how she reiterated the commitment to unity and progress within the Bar, urging all members to maintain peace and work diligently toward shared goals.
She emphasized that the construction of the first SLBA Secretariat in the nation’s history is a monumental task requiring collective effort.
Addressing those who have opposed her executive team, Madam Tuma Gento Kamara implored them to rise above differences and unite in the spirit of collaboration. She stressed that the reputation and progress of the Association are paramount, encouraging all members to work with the Executive team and contribute positively to the shared mission. The President emphasized that this is a time for unity and solidarity, not division.
In closing, the President shared a quote by Michal Gaborache: “Peace is not unity in similarity, but unity in diversity, in the comparison and conciliation of differences.”
She called on all members to recommit to the noble ideals of their profession—the pursuit of justice, the defense of truth, and the relentless endeavor towards a more perfect union. Madam Tuma Gento Kamara concluded by expressing her honor in leading the Association on such a journey, confident that together, they will achieve great things for the Sierra Leone Bar Association.
Francis Ben Kaifala, also known as the People’s Commissioner, a well-known public figure in Sierra Leone was also in attendance.
He highlighted the importance of these discussions in shaping the future of the legal profession and contributing to national development.
Commissioner Kaifala’s reflections and participation in the Extraordinary General Meeting emphasize his unwavering dedication to the legal profession and his ongoing contributions to the fight against corruption and the promotion of transparency in Sierra Leone.
As an anti-corruption crusader and advocate for good governance, his involvement in events such as the Extra-Ordinary General Meeting of the Sierra Leone Bar Association highlights his dedication to promoting transparency, accountability and ethical conduct within various sectors of society/
The hashtag #RaiseTheBar used in conjunction with the event suggests a call to action or a rallying cry for elevating standards within the legal profession in Sierra Leone. That campaign may focus on improving professionalism, ethics, access to justice,or other aspects that are deemed crucial for enhancing the legal system in the country.
The participation of Madam Tuma Adama Gento Kamara Esq and People’s Commissioner Francis Ben Kaifala at the Sierra Leone Bar Association Extra-Ordinary General Meeting underscores their commitment to advancing legal reforms and upholding integrity within Sierra Leone’s legal landscape.
Furthermore, the participation of distinguished legal professionals and Government officials, including the Bar Association President and Attorney General, reflects the significance of the SLBA’s role in Sierra Leone’s legal landscape. The gathering reinforced the collective resolve to uphold justice, integrity and accountability in the country.
