Court Reporters Adopt New Constitution; Elect Interim Leadership in Makeni

Court Reporters Adopt New Constitution; Elect Interim Leadership in Makeni

The Sierra Leone Court Reporters Association (SLCRA) held a historic annual general meeting (AGM) in Makeni on Saturday, May 30, 2026, which culminated in the adoption of a new constitution and the appointment of an interim executive. The event, themed “Professional Court Reporting: A Pillar for Accountability in the Justice System,” was described as a significant milestone in the organization’s history.

The meeting, which included members of the judiciary, legal practitioners, journalists, and court reporters, focused on the vital role of professional court reporting in enhancing accountability, transparency, and public trust in the judiciary. Following the approval of the new constitution, the existing executive was dissolved, and Mr. Alieu Vandy Kaisamba was appointed to lead the interim leadership.

This executive will oversee preparations for future elections to be conducted by the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) Electoral Commission.

In his welcoming address, outgoing President Salifu Isaac Success Benrian Conteh emphasized that court reporting served as a foundational element of judicial administration, stating that the integrity and credibility of the justice system relied heavily on precise and trustworthy court records.

He stated that court reporters acted as custodians of truth, fairness, and accountability who ensure that judicial proceedings are accurately documented, thereby fostering public confidence and facilitating review and appeal processes.

Mr. Conteh pointed out that accurate court reporting safeguards the rights of litigants, supports judicial decision-making, and bolsters trust in legal institutions. He explained that a primary objective of the AGM was to review and adopt the draft constitution, which would guide the Association’s governance and future elections.

He urged members to continually improve their skills, adapt to technological changes, uphold high ethical standards, and embrace innovations such as digital documentation and virtual hearings.

Alhaji Manika Kamara, President of SLAJ, acknowledged the specialized nature of court reporting, sharing that he had previously worked as a court reporter and earned recognition for his judicial coverage. He underscored that the relationship between journalists and the judiciary must remain professional and independent, stating that their duty was to report the truth.

Kamara called on the judiciary to provide ongoing training opportunities for court reporters, particularly regarding complex legal issues. He also urged the Association to expand its membership to include colleagues from the provinces, asserting that broader participation would strengthen the profession and open doors for reporters to compete for national and international journalism awards.

Representing the Chief Justice of Sierra Leone, Mr. Elkass Sannoh, Director of Communications for the Judiciary and a former court reporter, commended the outgoing executive for successfully organizing the AGM. He described court reporting as a challenging yet essential profession, observing that many journalists avoided the field due to legal complexities.

Mr. Sannoh praised court reporters for their dedication, stating that the justice system did not operate in isolation and that journalists played a critical role in restoring public confidence through accurate and responsible reporting. He emphasized that court reporting was a profession in its own right and urged journalists to continue reporting proceedings with accuracy and professionalism.

He also acknowledged the judiciary’s ongoing reforms and recognized the contribution of reporters to transparency, noting the close collaboration between the judiciary’s communications team and the reporters to improve their recognition and access.

State Counsel Rachael Adama Samba, acting on behalf of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), apologized for the DPP’s absence and congratulated the members on the AGM.

Madam Samba expressed the DPP’s appreciation for the court reporters’ work and their contribution to accountability and transparency within the justice sector, assuring the Association of the DPP’s continued support.