In a move to further strengthen the administration of justice, the Judiciary of Sierra Leone, through the Judicial and Legal Training Institute (JLTI), has commenced a two-day nationwide training for 38 Magistrates on the newly enacted Criminal Procedure Act 2024. The training is being held at the Sierra Palm Hotel in Freetown and is expected to conclude on Saturday, 11 October 2025.
The professional development session is part of an ongoing judicial reform agenda spearheaded by the Honourable Chief Justice, His Lordship Justice Komba Kamanda, aimed at enhancing legal efficiency, upholding the rule of law, and aligning the country’s justice system with international human rights standards.
Opening the training, the Chief Justice underscored the significance of keeping Magistrates fully informed about the provisions of the new law and equipping them with the tools necessary for effective implementation in courts across the country.
“From the agenda, the topics are rich, and when I looked at the list of facilitators, I saw that they were carefully selected by the Judicial and Legal Training Institute,” Chief Justice Kamanda noted, commending the JLTI for its continued leadership in legal education.
He also acknowledged the vital support of development partners, particularly the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Justice Sector Coordination Office (JSCO), in making the training possible.
Supreme Court Judge, Honourable Justice Eku Robert, praised the Chief Justice for his leadership, noting the significant strides made in judicial capacity building.
“Thank you, my Lord Chief Justice, for promoting the capacity of Judges, Magistrates, and Judicial Staff through the Judicial and Legal Training Institute,” he said.
Coordinating the training, Justice Fatmatta Bintu Alhadi JSC, highlighted the goal of enhancing professionalism and ensuring that Magistrates are well-versed in the new legal framework. She also extended gratitude to UNDP and JSCO for their ongoing support.
In his remarks, the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay Esq., described the Criminal Procedure Act 2024 as a landmark improvement over the outdated 1965 Act. He said the new law introduces critical reforms, including alternative sentencing mechanisms such as Community Punishment Orders, Suspended Sentences, and Deferred Sentences for lesser offences.
“This Act modernizes the justice system and brings it in line with global standards of fairness and efficiency,” the Attorney General stated. He also lauded the Judiciary and the JLTI for their dedication to continuous professional development.
The training is seen as a pivotal step in operationalizing the new legislation and ensuring that Sierra Leone’s judiciary remains responsive, effective, and accessible to all.
