By Mariama Bundu
The Sierra Leone Court Reporters Association (SLCRA) has adopted a new constitution during its Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Makeni on Saturday, 30th May 2026.
The meeting, which was held under the theme “Professional Court Reporting: A Pillar for Accountability in the Justice System,” brought together court reporters, journalists, legal practitioners, and members of the judiciary from across the country.
One of the key outcomes of the AGM was the adoption of the Association’s new constitution. Members also dissolved the outgoing executive and appointed an interim executive headed by Alieu Vandy Kaisamba to oversee the Association until elections are conducted by the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists Electoral Commission (SLAJEC).
In his address, outgoing President Salifu Isaac Success Benrian Conteh described court reporting as an essential part of the justice system. He said court reporters play a vital role in ensuring transparency, accountability, and public confidence in the judiciary through accurate reporting of court proceedings.
He encouraged members to improve their professional skills, uphold ethical standards, and embrace modern technologies in court reporting.
President of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), Alhaji Manika Kamara, said court reporting remains one of the most specialized areas of journalism. He urged court reporters to maintain professionalism and called for greater inclusion of journalists from the provinces in the Association.
Representing the Chief Justice, Judiciary Communications Director Elkass Sannoh praised court reporters for their contribution to public understanding of the justice sector and encouraged them to continue reporting accurately and responsibly.
State Counsel Rachael Adama Samba, representing the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), also commended the Association for organizing the AGM and reaffirmed the DPP’s support for professional court reporting.
The meeting concluded with discussions on professionalism, ethics, capacity building, and stronger collaboration between court reporters and key stakeholders in the justice sector.
The AGM received support from several judicial and private sector partners, while SLAJ President Alhaji Manika Kamara officially declared the meeting open.
