PARLIAMENT APPROVES TEN NEW JUDGES TO STRENGTHEN JUDICIARY

The Parliament of Sierra Leone on Thursday, May 22, 2025, unanimously approved ten presidential nominees to the judiciary following a detailed debate on the Twelfth Report of the Committee on Appointments and the Public Service. The session was presided over by Honourable Mathew Sahr Nyuma, Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business.

The newly approved judges are:

Magistrate Mark Ngegba – Judge of the High Court

Magistrate Sahr Elongima – Judge of the High Court

Magistrate Isata Susan Sellu Tucker – Judge of the High Court

Magistrate Santigie Ibrahim Sorie Bangura – Judge of the High Court

Magistrate Josephine Feimata Hinga – Judge of the High Court

Ms. Khalila Diana Kamara – Judge of the High Court

Hon. Justice Athanasius Alfred Tommy Ganda – Judge of the Court of Appeal

Hon. Justice Abou Bahkarr Binneh Kamara – Judge of the Court of Appeal

Hon. Justice Aiah Simeon Allieu – Judge of the Court of Appeal

Mr. Samuel Andrew Curtis Johnson – Judge of the High Court

Hon. Nyuma highlighted the rigorous vetting process, which included interviews conducted under oath and reviews of the nominees’ educational backgrounds, career performance, and financial accountability. He assured the House that the Committee’s recommendations were unanimous and based on merit.

The approval sparked strong bipartisan contributions. Opposition Whip, Hon. Abdul Karim Kamara, expressed confidence in the nominees’ leadership potential and stressed the role of the judiciary in securing justice for the underprivileged. He reminded the House of historic injustices faced by the poor and urged the judges to uphold the principles of fairness and accountability.

Deputy Speaker, Hon. Ibrahim Tawa Conteh, urged the appointees to serve with integrity, citing political interference and institutional challenges as barriers to effective justice delivery. He called for increased support to the judiciary from the executive and legislature.

Hon. Osman A. Timbo referenced the targeting of judicial officers during the civil war and cited the findings of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, calling for sustained reforms to combat corruption and restore public trust in the judiciary.

Hon. Hindolo Gevao praised the transparent and democratic vetting process, while Hon. Aminata Moriba commended President Julius Maada Bio for promoting gender equality through the appointment of qualified women to judicial positions.

Hon. Tamba Johney, representing Kono District, acknowledged a personal connection to one of the appointees and requested increased judicial infrastructure in Kono to support access to justice.

Throughout the session, opposition members emphasized the need for structural reforms and improvement in the judiciary’s public perception. Acting Opposition Leader, Hon. Aaron Aruna Koroma, called for impartiality and commitment to justice from the newly appointed judges.

In closing the debate, Hon. Nyuma acknowledged public concerns about conditions of service within the judiciary and reaffirmed President Bio’s commitment to judicial independence and ongoing reform.

In a related development, Parliament also commenced deliberations on the National Country Planning Act, 2025, aimed at advancing sustainable development and building climate resilience. Minister of Lands, Housing, and Country Planning, Dr. Turad Senesie, described the legislation as a transformative tool to modernize Sierra Leone’s urban and rural planning systems, enhance public participation, and integrate climate change responses. The bill has been committed to the Legislative Committee for further review.

Hassan Bangura

SLENA Correspondent

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