On 11 October, 2024, the Judiciary of Sierra Leone has ended its annual ceremonial activities with a grand thanksgiving service held at the Saint George’s Cathedral in Freetown, on the theme “Justice For All,” marking the official start of the 2024/2025 judicial year.
The ceremonies, which included the opening of the September Criminal Session (criminal & civil call-overs), a guard of honour mounted by the Sierra Leone Police in honour of the Hon. Acting Chief Justice, Juma Prayers held at the Central Mosque in Freetown among others, are provided for under section 2(2) and 3 of the Criminal Procedure Act 1965, Act No. 32 of 1965, (High Court Criminal Sessions) Rules S. l. 74 of 1965 and the Courts Act of 1965.
The Ceremonial function of Juma prayers which was held on Friday 27th September, 2024 and the Sunday thanksgivingservice held on the 29th of September, 2024 are held in recognition of God’s Supremacy and rulership in the affairs of men and from whom all strength and inspiration is drawn as we discharge our sacred duty of delivering justice. During these prayers, Judicial workers offer thanksgiving to God for the successful end of a judicial year, while committing the new year to the keeping care of God.
This year’s week-long activity started with the annual ceremonial guard of honour mounted by the Sierra Leone Police on the 17th of September, 2024 at the Law Court’s Building in Freetown. The ceremony was followed by the Hon. Ag. Chief Justice presiding over the call-over of ninety-four (94) criminal cases which include treason, murder, conspiracy, robbery with aggravation, larceny, house & office breaking, fraudulent conversion, wounding with intent and unlawful possession of drugs among others.
In an unprecedented move, the Hon. Ag. Chief Justice did not only stop at performing the administrative function of assigning cases to various trial judges, but proceeded to sit on all 94 “ninety-four” cases brought before the court as a High Court Judge in an attempt to expedite cases in the interest of justice and fairness.
This selfless move has attracted widespread commendation and admiration for his administration and leadership style which has prioritized access to and efficient justice delivery in the whole of Sierra Leone.
The ceremonies were climaxed by a well-attended annual judicial After Service Reception organized on the 29th of September, 2024, within the Law Court Building for judges, lawyers, other judicial staff and invited guests. This year’s event was significant not only because of the largest turn out in years but also because the age old tradition of inviting spouses and family members of judicial officers was also revived, accounting for a more merrier and inclusive event.
With the Hon. Ag. Chief Justice’s swift assignment of all backlog cases, transfers/postings of judicial staff for the year 2024 which is provided for in the Courts Act, 1965 Act No. 31 of 1965, six separate panels at the Court of Appeal to expeditiously deal with cases before the court, reassignment of all previously pending Commissions of Inquiry/Court of Appeal matters for which much progress was not made and the opening of newly constructed Courts in Kailahun and Bo, his administration remains committed to make justice more accessible to all Sierra Leoneans.
The general public is assured of Judiciary’s unwavering commitment to uphold the Constitution of Sierra Leone in a free, fair and transparent manner.
Judiciary Communications
