By Amin Kef (Ranger)
The Judiciary of Sierra Leone, through the Judicial and Legal Training Institute (JLTI), commenced a two-day professional training for 38 Magistrates across the country on the Criminal Procedure Act (CPA) 2024, marking another milestone in Chief Justice, Komba Kamanda’s judicial reform agenda aimed at strengthening justice delivery and efficiency.
The training, which began on October 10, 2025, at the Sierra Palm Hotel, Lumley Beach Road, Freetown, is designed to deepen Magistrates’ understanding of the new Act and enhance their capacity to apply its provisions effectively in court proceedings.
In his keynote address, His Lordship Justice Komba Kamanda, Chief Justice of the Republic of Sierra Leone, underscored the importance of continuous professional development within the judiciary, emphasizing that effective implementation of the CPA 2024 requires a well-informed and competent bench.
“From the agenda, the topics are rich and when I looked at the facilitators, I realized they were carefully selected by the Judicial and Legal Training Institute,” the Chief Justice said, commending the JLTI and partners for their contributions to the training initiative.
He further acknowledged the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Justice Sector Coordination Office (JSCO) for their unwavering partnership and support in advancing judicial reforms.
Delivering remarks, Supreme Court Judge, Honourable Justice Eku Robert, lauded the Chief Justice for his exemplary leadership and commitment to institutional growth.
“Thank you, my Lord Chief Justice, for promoting the capacity of Judges, Magistrates and judicial staff through the Judicial and Legal Training Institute,” he said, extending appreciation to his colleague Judges for their continued support.
The Coordinator of the training, Honourable Justice Fatmatta Bintu Alhadi (JSC), highlighted that the session aims to promote professionalism and ensure that Magistrates are fully acquainted with the innovations contained in the CPA 2024. She also expressed gratitude to the UNDP and JSCO for facilitating the training.
Addressing the gathering, Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay Esq., outlined major improvements introduced by the new Criminal Procedure Act, which replaces the outdated 1965 legislation. He explained that the reform focuses on modernizing the justice system, aligning it with international human rights standards and ensuring fair and transparent judicial processes.
To make justice delivery more swift, efficient and humane, the Attorney General noted that the new Act provides for alternative sentencing mechanisms such as community service, suspended sentences and deferred sentences for offences not exceeding two years. He commended the Chief Justice and JLTI for their dedication to capacity building and reform implementation.
The training, which continued through Saturday, October 11, 2025, concluded with practical sessions and discussions aimed at ensuring a unified judicial approach to applying the new criminal justice provisions across Sierra Leone’s courts.
