By: Amie Massaquoi
On April 3, 2025, the Advisory Board Committee of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) convened a significant meeting with His Lordship Honourable Komba Kamanda, the Chief Justice of Sierra Leone, to address pressing concerns regarding the prolonged handling of corruption-related cases within the judicial system. The meeting, held at the Chief Justice’s office in Freetown, was part of the ACC’s ongoing initiative aimed at improving the efficiency of the justice system and ensuring that corruption cases are resolved promptly in the High Court.
During the meeting, the participants underscored the critical need for timely trials of ACC cases, emphasizing that swift judicial processes are essential to maintaining public trust in the nation’s anti-corruption efforts. Augustine Foday Ngobie, the Deputy Commissioner of the ACC and chairman of the meeting, expressed his appreciation to the Chief Justice for welcoming the team and engaging in discussions on such a vital issue. He acknowledged the indispensable role of the Judiciary in the fight against corruption, stating, “Without the Judiciary, our job will not be complete, as they are strategic partners in the fight against corruption.”
Prince Goba, the Chairman of the ACC Advisory Board, articulated the purpose of the meeting, noting that it aligns with ongoing efforts to bolster judicial efficiency and uphold the rule of law in Sierra Leone. He urged the Chief Justice to prioritize the review of pending ACC cases and take necessary actions to expedite their proceedings. Goba warned that “Prolonged legal processes can undermine public confidence, which will weaken the country’s anti-graft drive.”
In his response, Chief Justice Komba Kamanda acknowledged the concerns raised by the ACC Advisory Board and assured them that the judiciary would take their issues seriously. He reaffirmed the Judiciary’s commitment to delivering swift and fair justice in Sierra Leone and shared insights into ongoing efforts to tackle the backlog of ACC cases, as well as strategies aimed at enhancing effective case management within the courts.
