By Hassan Osman Kargbo
In a major step towards strengthening the judiciary, the Parliament of Sierra Leone has vetted and unanimously approved the appointment of seven new High Court Judges and the promotion of three seasoned judges to the Court of Appeal. The approvals followed a recommendation from the Judicial and Legal Service Commission and a formal appointment by His Excellency President Brigadier (Rtd.) Dr. Julius Maada Bio on April 30, 2025.
The newly approved High Court Judges include five long-serving magistrates: Marke Ngegba, Isata S. Sellu-Tucker, Josephine F. Hinga, Santigie Ibrahim S. Bangura, and Sahr Elongima Kekura. They are joined by Khalla Diana Kamara and Andrew Samuel Curtis Johnson, who bring extensive experience from the corporate legal sector.
At the same sitting, Hon. Justices Alfred Tommy Ganda, Dr. Justice Abou Bhakarr Binneh-Kamara, and Justice Aiah Simeon Allieu were promoted to the Court of Appeal, following years of distinguished service in the legal profession.
Presenting the nominees to Parliament, Leader of Government Business, Hon. Mathew Sahr Nyuma, commended their professionalism, legal expertise, and commitment to national development. He emphasized that the appointments were made strictly in accordance with constitutional provisions, and not based on political affiliations.
“The Committee on Appointments vetted these nominees on their legal qualifications, tax obligations, and service to the nation,” Hon. Nyuma stated. “Their track records in the dispensation of justice are unquestionable.”
Hon. Abdul Karim Kamara, in his contribution to the debate, urged the new appointees to uphold justice impartially. “Justice must not be seen as a privilege for the affluent alone. The less privileged must also experience the full protection of the law,” he said.
Highlighting another dimension of judicial reform, Acting Leader of the Opposition APC Party, Hon. Aaron Aruna Koroma, emphasized the urgent need for financial independence for the judiciary, noting that without such autonomy, true judicial independence remains elusive.
“It is frustrating that judges are using their personal vehicles or even motorcycles to commute to court. A truly independent judiciary requires not just legal autonomy but logistical support as well,” he lamented.
He also praised Chief Justice Komba Kamanda for adhering to the constitutional 30 percent quota for female representation in his nominations, reinforcing the government’s commitment to gender equality.
