By Janet A Sesay
On the 15 October 2026 Chief Justice of Sierra Leone, His Lordship Justice Komba Kamanda, has commissioned the district’s first ultramodern judicial quarters in Kailahun Town, in a move aimed at improving the living and working conditions of judicial officers serving outside Freetown.
The fully furnished residential facility, located at Reservation in Kailahun Town, is designed to accommodate the Resident High Court Judge and Magistrate. It features modern amenities, including a solar power system, DStv television services and other essential facilities to provide a comfortable living environment for judicial officers.
Each residential unit comprises three bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, a dining room, kitchen and store. The facility also includes boys’ quarters and other supporting amenities.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Chief Justice Kamanda described the project as an important investment in the administration of justice, emphasising that judicial officers require suitable accommodation and a conducive environment to perform their duties effectively.
He explained that providing decent housing for Judges and Magistrates forms an integral part of his Access to Justice agenda.
“This is the meaning of true justice and forms part of my Access to Justice agenda,” Chief Justice Kamanda said.
He reaffirmed his commitment to improving the living and working conditions of judicial officers across the country, expressing his determination to see similar modern facilities established in every district or district headquarters town.
“I will continue to ensure that Judges and Magistrates are working in a conducive environment to better do their work,” he assured.
The Chief Justice also acknowledged the support of President Julius Maada Bio, commending his commitment to investing in judicial infrastructure and providing resources to strengthen the administration of justice.
He further thanked the people of Kailahun for their support and cooperation, which he said contributed to the successful completion of the project.
In his welcome address, the Paramount Chief of Luawa Chiefdom, PC Kailondo Sama Banya, described the construction of improved court facilities and the provision of judicial quarters as significant contributions to the delivery of justice in the district.
However, he called for similar accommodation to be provided for judicial support staff, noting that their responsibilities were essential to the effective functioning of the courts.
He stressed that Judges and Magistrates depend on court personnel to carry out their duties and ensure the smooth administration of court business.
“The Judge and Magistrate can never work without the judicial support staff,” PC Banya stated.
The Minister of Works and Public Assets, Dr Denise M. Sandy, expressed pleasure at joining the Chief Justice for the commissioning ceremony. She assured the gathering that President Bio remained committed to supporting similar initiatives across the country.
Meanwhile, the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay Esq., welcomed the initiative, describing it as an important step towards strengthening access to justice by ensuring that judicial officers have a suitable living and working environment.
He said he was pleased to be in Kailahun to support the Judiciary’s efforts and described the completion of the project as a reflection of the commitment to improving conditions for the Resident High Court Judge and Magistrate.
The ceremony concluded with the formal handover of the keys to the quarters by the Minister of Works and Public Assets to Chief Justice Kamanda, followed by the cutting of the tape to officially commission the facility.
The commissioning marks a further step in efforts to strengthen judicial infrastructure and improve the conditions under which judicial officers serve in Sierra Leone’s districts.