By: Patrick Hinga George
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Eastern Regional Office has held an engagement with staff of the Judiciary of Sierra Leone in Kenema on 25thMarch 2025, in the Magistrate Court Room No. 2.
Highlighting the purpose of the meeting as Chairman, ACC’s Senior Public Education Officer, Edward N. Blake stated that the Commission’s visit was to two-fold; to remind the Judiciary to uphold high standards of integrity in the dispensation of their responsibilities towards enhancing justice, and, in pursuit to fostering support from public institutions in the fight against corruption, through such public education drives.
Mr. Blake furthernoted that the Judiciary plays a pivotal role in maintaining the rule of law and ensuring that justice is fairly dispensed. He reminded the Judiciary staff that their work directly impacts the peace and stability of Sierra Leone, a country still healing from the scars of the 11-year civil war.
He further drew the attention of the audience to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Report, which had pointed out that the activities of the Judiciary were significantly influenced by the socio-political tensions during the war. He therefore urged the Judiciary to take into account this historical context and strive to improve their performance, as the public’s trust in the system remains integral to the country's long-term peacebuilding efforts. Blake emphasized that justice must always be seen to be done, stressing the need for transparency and accountability in all judicial processes.
Peter Baio Kamara, ACC’s Eastern Regional Manager informed the Judiciary staff about pressing concerns raised by the public about the delays in the judicial system, particularly in handling minor offenses. Mr. Kamara pointed out that the prolonged duration in resolving cases has become a source of frustration for many citizens. The public, he noted, is increasingly becoming disillusioned with the justice system due to delays in hearing cases, which often leads to the perception that "justice delayed is justice denied."
Mr. Kamara therefore urged the Judiciary staff to prioritize the swift resolution of cases, especially minor offenses, which tend to pile up in courts. He reminded them of the serious implications that case delays have on public trust and the efficiency of the justice system. He further reiterated that the efficient administration of justice is not only a constitutional responsibility but also an essential pillar of good governance and public confidence. “The public expects us to uphold the law, and we cannot afford to fail them. We must be vigilant and proactive in ensuring that justice is not just a distant promise, but a reality for every Sierra Leonean,” Kamara stated.
In elaborating on the importance of transparency and accountability within the Judiciary, ACC’s Public Education Officer,Patrick George, reminded the staff of several key corruption offenses as outlined in the Anti-Corruption Act 2008, as amended in 2019; including but not limited to: misappropriation of public funds, abuse of office, abuse of position, possession of unexplained wealth, and corrupt acquisition of wealth.
He further noted that corruption within the Judiciary undermines the very essence of justice, as it often leads to biased rulings, unequal access to justice, and a general lack of faith in the system. George emphasized, reinforcing the need for transparency in all judicial processes. He called on the Judiciary staff to be role models of integrity, ensuring that their actions uphold the highest standards of fairness and accountability. He therefore urged the Judiciary staff to be vigilant and report any irregularities or suspicions of corruption within their ranks, using the Toll Free Africell Lines: 077985985/077986986/8515, noting that the ACC remains committed to investigating such cases thoroughly.
The engagement came to an end with remarks from the High Court Judge, Abdul Sheriff who expressed gratitude to the visiting team from the ACC for their informative and timely session. The Judge lauded the ACC’s efforts to engage with the Judiciary in such a constructive manner, recognizing the critical role of such collaborations in combating corruption and promoting justice.
The High Court Judge acknowledged the challenges facing the Judiciary, particularly in delays in case resolutions, but remained optimistic about the potential for positive change. He reiterated the Judiciary's commitment to improving its efficiency and transparency, emphasizing that these efforts are vital in ensuring a fair and just system for all Sierra Leoneans.
