SLAJ Secretariat
There were no court sittings across Sierra Leone on Tuesday, 18th February 2025, due to the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces Day holiday. However, an emergency special court session was convened at Court No. 1, Pademba Road Courts, featuring the Sierra Leone Court Reporters Association (SLCRA) and representatives from the Judiciary of Sierra Leone.
The SLCRA was represented by its Executive and members, led by its President, Salifu I.B.S. Conteh, and Vice President, Jane Mansaray. Also present in support of SLCRA were the President of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), Ahmed Sahid Nasralla, SLAJ Secretary General Alhaji Manika Kamara, and Financial Secretary Mohamed Konneh.
Presiding over the ‘high-profile’ case of the first Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the SLCRA—17 years after its establishment—were Justice Momoh-Jah Stevens, Magistrate Sahr Kekura, and Magistrate Santigie Bangura. In addition, Elkass I.L. Sannoh, Head of Communications and Public Relations for the Judiciary of Sierra Leone, was in attendance to support the legal panel.
In opening the proceedings, SLCRA President Salifu Conteh expressed gratitude to SLAJ, the Judiciary, and partners for facilitating the long-awaited AGM. He reminded his colleagues that court reporters are not social media influencers or ‘citizen journalists.’ He emphasized the need for professional training in court reporting, legal instruments such as bail and sentencing guidelines, and the Criminal Procedure Act 2024 to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of their reporting.
Justice Momoh-Jah Stevens, presiding over the session, addressed the matter under discussion: “The Role of Court Reporting in Enhancing Judicial Accountability and Transparency.” He urged court reporters to be well-versed in judicial procedures across all levels of the judiciary—including the Appeals Court, Supreme Court, High Court, Magistrate Court, and Traditional Court—to ensure impartial and objective reporting. He further encouraged SLAJ to collaborate with UNDP and other agencies for training opportunities aimed at strengthening SLCRA’s capacity. Justice Stevens reassured court reporters that under Chief Justice Komba Kamanda, the Judiciary remains open to engaging with journalists to ensure accurate reporting of judicial proceedings.
Magistrate Sahr Kekura elaborated on the Rules and Regulations of the Magistrate Court, highlighting basic codes of conduct and common reporting errors. He clarified key legal distinctions, such as the difference between ‘discharged’ and ‘acquitted and discharged,’ and reiterated that bail is free unless there are legal grounds for its denial.
Magistrate Santigie Bangura, in his submission on “The Importance of Court Reporting in the Legal System,” underscored the vital role court reporters play in shaping public confidence in the judiciary as a fair and just institution. He emphasized that accurate and responsible court reporting enhances the judiciary’s credibility and transparency.
In his address, SLAJ Secretary General Alhaji Manika Kamara congratulated SLCRA on successfully convening its first AGM. He noted that the meeting was made possible through funds allocated from the annual government subvention to SLAJ. He further urged court reporters to formalize their SLAJ membership, as eligibility for leadership roles within SLCRA requires affiliation with the parent body.
SLAJ President Ahmed Sahid Nasralla, in his goodwill remarks, thanked the Judiciary for its support of SLCRA and called for stronger collaboration between the Judiciary and SLAJ to promote responsible and professional court reporting. As he prepares to conclude his tenure, he expressed appreciation for the trust and support received from court reporters throughout his presidency over the past five years.
Elkass I.L. Sannoh and Mohamed Konneh delivered brief but inspiring remarks, stressing the importance of mentorship in court reporting.
The emergency court session concluded with a review of the SLCRA Constitution, with proceedings led by lawyer Edward Ishmail Saidu Kanu of Davies & Dainkeh Law Firm.
The case was adjourned to the same time next year.
