FREETOWN, 5th October 2026 – The Judiciary of Sierra Leone has granted approval for the live broadcast of the Supreme Court hearing on constitutional amendment-related matters scheduled for Tuesday, 7th October 2026.
The Chief Justice, His Lordship Hon. Justice Komba Kamanda, approved a request from the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) for the proceedings to be broadcast live, marking the first time the Judiciary has mandated SLAJ to coordinate coverage of a Supreme Court constitutional hearing.
Under the arrangement, SLAJ will coordinate media coverage in liaison with the Judiciary’s Communications and Public Affairs Unit.
According to a statement from the Judiciary, 10 media houses will be accredited to cover the proceedings from inside the courtroom. SLAJ will handle the accreditation process in consultation with the Sierra Leone Court Reporters Association.
However, public access will not be limited to the courtroom.
Members of the public and journalists who are not accredited will be able to follow the proceedings live from their homes and offices through major television networks. The Independent Radio Network (IRN) will also broadcast the hearing live through its network of over 40 radio stations across the country, following a special appeal for its inclusion.
The move comes amid heightened public interest in the constitutional matters before the Court. The Supreme Court is expected to hear arguments relating to the constitutional amendment process, a case that has generated intense national debate and speculation.
The Judiciary has set strict conditions for the coverage. Media practitioners will not be permitted to provide commentary or analysis on the merits or demerits of the case while it remains _sub judice_. Still photography will also not be allowed inside the courtroom.
The Judiciary clarified that live coverage of court proceedings is not new. Since 2019, the Judiciary has permitted live coverage in public-interest cases, especially those bordering on constitutional issues, in a bid to promote transparency and judicial accountability.
What makes this arrangement different is the direct responsibility given to SLAJ to coordinate the coverage.
In its letter to the Chief Justice dated 21st September 2026, SLAJ said live broadcast was necessary given the national and constitutional significance of the proceedings, and that it would allow citizens to follow the case directly and reduce misinformation and speculation.
SLAJ President Ahmed Sahid Nasralla has called on all accredited media houses and journalists to maintain professionalism, accuracy, impartiality and responsibility, and to respect the dignity and decorum of the Court.
The hearing on October 7th is expected to attract nationwide attention as the Court begins consideration of one of the most consequential constitutional cases in recent years.
