President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has officially sworn in Hon. Fatmata Bintu Alhadi as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Sierra Leone, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to justice, judicial independence, and gender equity.
The ceremony, held at State House, followed parliamentary approval of Justice Alhadi’s appointment, in accordance with Section 135(2) of the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone. The Secretary to the President, Dr. Emmanuel Gaima, declared the purpose of the event and administered the oath of office before formally presenting the appointee to the President.
In her acceptance remarks, Justice Alhadi expressed heartfelt appreciation to President Bio for the trust placed in her. She pledged to uphold the rule of law and serve with professionalism, impartiality, and dedication.
“I am honored to take on this responsibility,” she said. “I commit to administering justice fairly, protecting the rights of every citizen, and maintaining the dignity of the Supreme Court.”
President Bio congratulated Justice Alhadi and reiterated his government’s unwavering support for the judiciary. He emphasized the importance of judicial independence in Sierra Leone’s democratic journey and encouraged the new justice to rely on the wisdom and experience of her peers in carrying out her duties.
“A credible, independent judiciary is the bedrock of any thriving democracy,” the President stated. “This appointment reflects our broader agenda to ensure justice is accessible to all Sierra Leoneans and reinforces our commitment to empowering women in leadership.”
President Bio also highlighted the significance of Justice Alhadi’s elevation in advancing gender representation at the highest levels of governance. He reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to strengthening institutions that uphold democratic principles and protect the rights of all citizens.
Justice Alhadi’s appointment marks a key milestone in the judiciary’s ongoing reform and serves as a symbol of progress in Sierra Leone’s pursuit of equal justice and inclusive governance.
By Francess Brown
