Guild of Newspaper Editors praises Chief Justice Kamanda’s decentralisation Push and Judicial Reforms

December 9. December 2025— The Chairman of the Guild of Newspaper Editors in Sierra Leone (GoNE), Thomas Dixon, has praised sweeping reforms initiated within the Judiciary under the leadership of Honourable Chief Justice Komba Kamanda, stating that the Guild is “impressed” with the progress made in less than a year of the Chief Justice’s administration.
Dixon, speaking during a courtesy visit to the Chief Justice on December 9, cited a series of unprecedented reforms, including the recent establishment of the Court of Appeal, as a significant step toward making justice more accessible and responsive to citizens across the country. He also mentioned Sierra Leone’s recent performance on the World Justice Rule of Law Index, describing it as a historic milestone that demonstrates the country’s ongoing pursuit of justice.
Dixon applauded the Chief Justice’s commitment to expediting drug-related cases, which he believes will boost public trust in the criminal justice system. He emphasised the long-standing relationship between the media and the judiciary, noting that the Guild has covered and supported Justice Kamanda’s career since his days as a Magistrate on the Bench.
“Your work as a Magistrate was extensively reported by one of our colleagues, the late Reverend Mathew Quartey of Radio Democracy 98.1 FM,” Dixon said, citing the late journalist’s coverage as evidence of the relationship between the press and the Judge who is now Chief Justice. “That relationship has continued, and I am hopeful it will remain strong even as you serve as the Chief Justice of the Republic of Sierra Leone.”
Dixon also praised the Chief Justice’s open-door policy and emphasis on accountability through regular communication about the activities of the Judiciary and the Chief Justice’s Office. At the conclusion of the meeting, the Guild’s leadership, including Vice Chairman Abu Kaloko and Secretary-General Ishmael Kanu Esq., presented the Chief Justice with the Guild’s Strategic Plan.
In response, Chief Justice Komba Kamanda welcomed the Guild’s delegation and emphasised the importance of a free, strong, and independent press in any functioning democracy.
He urged the media to continue supporting his administration while providing constructive criticism as needed.
“I am not opposed to criticism because I learn from every good criticism,” said the Chief Justice. “Your feedback will always make my work better, and I am ready to learn from everyone.” He reiterated that his office will continue to receive and respond to concerns.
The Chief Justice detailed a number of concrete steps his administration has taken to improve access to justice through decentralisation. He noted that upon taking office, he immediately assigned a Resident High Court Judge to Kono District, addressing a long-standing lack of a resident judge in the region. He also emphasised efforts to revive High Court sittings in provincial towns that had been without them for two years, citing Pujehun as an example.
Kamanda described additional reforms aimed at removing barriers to justice for vulnerable groups, particularly survivors of sexual assault. He stated that the Judiciary established Sexual Offences Model Courts in Bo and Makeni to reduce delays and burdens for survivors who previously had to travel to the capital. He also announced the creation of an ultramodern library with extensive e-library resources to aid legal research and improve court operations.
While acknowledging progress, the Chief Justice admitted that more work is needed to consolidate reforms and expand access to justice. He reaffirmed his commitment to transparency, engagement with the media, and ongoing reforms aimed at improving the Judiciary’s responsiveness to citizen needs.
The meeting ended with mutual support for ongoing reforms and a shared commitment to maintaining the collaborative relationship between the judiciary and the press as both institutions work to promote the rule of law and democratic governance in Sierra Leone.