By Kadijatu Bangura, reporter D.S
Kenema, Sierra Leone – March 10, 2026 – In a groundbreaking development for the Eastern and Southern regions of Sierra Leone, the Court of Appeal has officially commenced sittings in Kenema for the first time in over thirty years, significantly enhancing access to justice for local citizens.
This initiative marks a pivotal shift, eliminating the need for residents to travel to Freetown for appeal hearings. During the opening ceremony, Chief Justice Komba Kamanda emphasized that justice should be accessible to every Sierra Leonean, reinforcing the judiciary’s commitment to serving communities directly.
Over the next two weeks, four justices will preside over more than thirty cases, aimed at alleviating the growing backlog in the court system and restoring public confidence in legal processes. The justices handling the cases—Justice Fatmata Bintu Alhadi, Justice Michael Patrick Mammie, Justice A.S. Alieu, and Justice Adrian Fisher—will play a crucial role in this endeavor.
Paramount Chief Sadiq Matoe Kapuwa warmly welcomed the court’s opening, calling it a significant blessing for local residents. The ceremony also featured speeches from key figures including the Assistant Inspector General of Police (East), the Regional Commander of Correctional Services, the Resident Minister, the Paramount Chief of Nogowa Chiefdom, representatives from the Bar Association and Legal Aid Board, and a Back Bench Representative, illustrating the widespread recognition of this momentous occasion.
This landmark event represents a major step forward in broadening access to justice, offering renewed hope to communities that have historically been underserved by the appeal court system.
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