The Late Hon. Justice Ansumana Ivan Sesay (JA)
The Judiciary of Sierra Leone gathered on January 3, 2025, to pay heartfelt tributes to the late Hon. Justice Ansumana Ivan Sesay (JA), who was laid to rest in his ancestral home at Moyamba Wusha Village, Rotifunk, in the Southern Region of the country.
The ceremony drew a significant crowd of mourners, including colleagues, family members, and community members who came together to honour the memory of a revered figure in the legal community.
The Honourable Chief Justice Komba Kamanda delivered a poignant message to the people of Rotifunk, urging them to remain strong and resilient in the face of their loss. He reflected on the profound impact that Justice Sesay had on the judiciary and the community, describing him as not only intelligent and diligent but also as a humble leader who was a cornerstone of the judicial system.
“Justice Ivan Sesay was a beacon of hope and integrity,” the Chief Justice remarked, emphasising that his contributions to justice would be forever etched in the annals of the Judiciary. In an emotional address to the gathering of over a thousand mourners, Chief Justice Kamanda highlighted Justice Sesay’s character, noting that he was well-regarded by all staff members, regardless of their position. He articulated that Justice Sesay’s trustworthiness and dedication made him one of the most respected judges in the Judiciary. “If it were within our power to change fate, we would have done everything to keep him with us,” he lamented, underscoring the profound sense of loss felt by all who knew him. Senior legal practitioner Mohamed M. Kamara Esq. also paid tribute to the late Justice Sesay, acknowledging him as one of the strongest pillars of the Judiciary.
He expressed regret that Justice Sesay would not be present to guide and support his colleagues in their ongoing efforts to uphold justice. Kamara reassured the grieving family that Justice Sesay had invested time in building meaningful relationships and that those connections would provide unwavering support during this challenging time.
The farewell ceremony was attended by various dignitaries and government representatives, including the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay, Deputy Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Umaru Napoleon Koroma, Director of the Sierra Leone Law School, Dr Abu Bakarr Bangura, and Executive Director of the Legal Aid Board, Claire Carlton-Hanciles, among others. Their presence underscored the respect and admiration held for Justice Sesay across different sectors of society. As the community mourns the loss of Hon. Justice Ivan Sesay, his legacy as a dedicated public servant and a champion of justice will continue to inspire future generations. The Judiciary of Sierra Leone stands united in honouring his memory, ensuring that his contributions to the legal system and the community will not be forgotten.
