By Hassan Osman Kargbo
The newly elected president of the Sierra Leone Bar Association, Madam Tuma Adama Gento Kamara Esq, has called on her colleagues lawyers to be united and forward-thinking.
She made this call on Tuesday 16 July 2024, at the Sierra Leone Bar Association Extra-Ordinary General Meeting held at the Cathedral House in Freetown. And this particular General meeting saw notable dignitaries such as the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas, Minister of Transport and Aviation, Alhaji Fanday Turay, Minister of Technology and Innovation, Salima Monorma Bah, the Deputy Minister of Mines, Umaru Napoleon Koroma, the Anti-Corruption Commissioner, Francis Ben Kaifala and the Press Secretary to President Julius Maada Bio, Yusuf Keketoma Sandy among others.
Making a statement during the meeting, Madam Tuma Gento Kamara noted that, they must be united and forward-thinking before they could achieve something great at the SLBA.
She expressed her profound honour in serving as president for the next three years.
She continued that the meeting set the stage for crucial decisions impacting the future leadership and direction of the Bar Association. She said that amidst calls for unity and legal compliance, the profession’s reliance on established legal frameworks and institutions to resolve internal disputes.
Reflecting on the issue in the Bar election’s in Kenema, Madam Tuma Gento Kamara acknowledged that such events often bring differences to the forefront, creating an “us versus them” mentality. But, however, stressed the importance of unity and the need to remember that they are part of something greater than individual differences.
She took full responsibility for the recent criticisms aimed at the organization, assuring members that those issues are being actively addressed in collaboration with their counterparts.
She extended her heartfelt gratitude to every member of the Bar Association for their unwavering support and engagement, reaching out to all members regardless of past disagreements. She emphasized that collective strength is essential for achieving significant legal and moral victories.
She reaffirmed her commitment to the SOAR agenda—Standards, Empowerment and Welfare. She highlighted the substantial progress made, particularly in securing land for the construction of the SLBA Secretariat, a cornerstone for the future of the Association. Since her election, Madam Tuma Gento Kamara and her team have been tirelessly working behind the scenes, engaging in meaningful dialogues with key figures such as the Inspector General of Police, the Chief Justice, the Attorney General, and the President of Sierra Leone.
The president also reflected on her recent travelled to Ghana for the ECOWAS Court of Justice Elections and the File and System Conference, where she delivered a speech. Additionally, she informed how a delegation was sent to Benin, where Sato Koba was elected as Treasurer of the West African Bar Association. According to her, those international engagements are vital for enhancing the Association’s stature and promoting regional cooperation.
Addressing those who have opposed her executive team, Madam Tuma Gento Kamara implored them to rise above differences and unite in the spirit of collaboration. She stressed that the reputation and progress of the Association are paramount, encouraging all members to work with the Executive team and contribute positively to the shared mission. The President emphasized that this is a time for unity and solidarity, not division.
She called on all members to recommit to the noble ideals of their profession—the pursuit of justice, the defence of truth, and the relentless endeavour towards a more perfect union. Madam Tuma Gento Kamara concluded by expressing her honour in leading the Association on such a journey, confident that together, they will achieve great things for the Sierra Leone Bar Association.
