Chief Justice Kamanda Inspects New Kenema Sexual Offences Court

Chief Justice Kamanda Inspects New Kenema Sexual Offences Court

Chief Justice of Sierra Leone, Honourable Justice Komba Kamanda, visited Kenema City on Friday for an unannounced inspection of the district's first Sexual Offences Model Court, marking a significant step in the nation’s ongoing judicial reforms.

The new facility, located in the Nongowa Chiefdom, is currently under construction and is nearing completion. Once operational, it will be the third specialized court established under Chief Justice Kamanda’s leadership, following the successful launch of similar facilities in Makeni and Bo. This milestone reinforces the Judiciary’s commitment to expediting the adjudication of sexual offences while providing specialized, sensitive environments for survivors of gender-based violence, particularly women and children.

During the visit, the Chief Justice personally toured the construction site to assess the progress of the work, expressing satisfaction with the development thus far.

Beyond the construction site, Justice Kamanda extended his visit to the local Magistrates’ and High Courts. There, he monitored live proceedings and assessed court operations to gain first-hand insight into the administration of justice within the district. He was received by Resident High Court Judge, Honourable Justice Abdul Sheriff, alongside resident magistrates serving in the district.

The Chief Justice's hands-on approach was met with strong enthusiasm from the public and litigants present at the courts. Many praised the Judiciary's direct engagement with local issues, with local residents hailing Justice Kamanda as a “great reformer.” 

Supporters noted that his leadership is leaving a tangible impact on expanding access to justice across Sierra Leone.