By Foday Conteh
Sierra Leone’s Court of Appeal has begun sittings in the eastern city of Kenema for the first time in more than three decades, a move judicial authorities say is aimed at improving access to justice for residents in the Eastern and Southern regions.
Chief Justice Komba Kamanda, speaking at the official opening on Tuesday, said the initiative reflects the judiciary’s commitment to bringing justice closer to citizens who have historically had to travel to the capital, Freetown, to pursue appeal cases.
“For far too long, people in these regions have had to bear the cost and burden of traveling to Freetown for appellate matters,” Kamanda said. “Justice must be delivered at the doorstep of every Sierra Leonean.”
Four justices have been assigned to preside over the sittings and are expected to hear more than 30 cases over the next two weeks, part of an effort to reduce the growing backlog of appeal cases in the country’s courts.
The justices include Justice Fatmata Bintu Alhadi, Justice Michael Patrick Mammie, Justice A.S. Alieu and Justice Adrian Fisher.
Local traditional leader Paramount Chief Sadiq Matoe Kapuwa welcomed the development, describing the presence of the appeal court in Kenema as a significant moment for communities in the region.
“This is a blessing for our people,” Kapuwa said during the ceremony.
The opening event was attended by regional officials and representatives from several institutions, including the Sierra Leone Police, the Correctional Service, the Resident Minister’s office, the Sierra Leone Bar Association, and the Legal Aid Board.
Judiciary officials said the initiative is part of broader efforts to expand access to justice and strengthen public confidence in the country’s legal system.
Residents and legal practitioners in the region say the move could significantly reduce the financial and logistical challenges faced by litigants who previously had to travel hundreds of kilometres to Freetown to pursue appeal cases.
