By Ishmael Sallieu Koroma
FREETOWN, Sierra Leone — Sierra Leone’s Chief Justice, His Lordship Honourable Justice Komba Kamanda, has been honoured with a prestigious international award in recognition of his leadership and contributions to maritime jurisprudence during the 18th International Maritime Seminar for Judges held in Abuja, Nigeria.
According to a statement issued by the Judiciary of Sierra Leone, Chief Justice Kamanda received a commemorative plaque in recognition of his exemplary leadership, distinguished contributions to judicial discourse and unwavering commitment to advancing maritime law. The award was presented during the high-level seminar hosted by the Judiciary of Nigeria in collaboration with the Nigerian Shippers’ Council.
The seminar brought together judges, jurists, academics, policymakers and senior judicial administrators from across Africa and beyond, including delegates from Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, The Gambia and Hong Kong. Participants examined emerging developments in Admiralty and Maritime Law, assessed challenges confronting the maritime sector and explored practical measures to strengthen maritime jurisprudence and improve the administration of justice in maritime disputes.
In a further demonstration of his growing international standing, Chief Justice Kamanda was selected to chair and moderate the seminar’s second technical session on 23 July. He shared the distinction with Kenya’s Chief Justice, Justice Martha K. Koome, who also presided over one of the technical sessions, reflecting the confidence placed in both judicial leaders by the organisers.
Addressing participants, Chief Justice Kamanda thanked the Chief Justice of Nigeria and the Nigerian Shippers’ Council for inviting him and the Sierra Leonean delegation to participate in the international forum.
”The Judiciary of Sierra Leone remains committed to strengthening collaboration with judiciaries and institutions worldwide to advance jurisprudence—not only in maritime law but across all areas of law—in order to reinforce our justice systems and uphold the rule of law,” he said.
”I am deeply honoured by this recognition at such a distinguished gathering.”»
Following his successful moderation of the technical session, Chief Justice Kamanda was formally presented with the commemorative plaque in acknowledgement of his contributions to the seminar and his continued efforts to promote the development of maritime law at both national and international levels.
The Judiciary of Sierra Leone said the recognition highlights the country’s growing profile within international judicial circles and reflects its commitment to judicial excellence, professional knowledge exchange and regional cooperation in specialised areas of law.
Chief Justice Kamanda attended the seminar alongside Honourable Justice F.B. Alhadi and Honourable Justice Mamie, both judges of Sierra Leone’s Admiralty and Fast Track Commercial Court. According to the Judiciary, their participation demonstrates an ongoing commitment to strengthening judicial capacity and exposing Sierra Leone’s courts to international best practices in the adjudication of maritime and commercial disputes.
The seminar also featured presentations by leading legal scholars, including Professor Awaal Magashi of the Faculty of Law at Bayero University, Kano, whose presentation examined contemporary developments in maritime law and emerging legal issues affecting the maritime sector.
Maritime law continues to assume increasing importance across Africa as governments seek to expand regional trade, improve port governance and strengthen the blue economy. Judicial cooperation and specialised legal training are regarded as essential to ensuring effective dispute resolution and building investor confidence in the continent’s maritime industry.
For Sierra Leone, Chief Justice Kamanda’s recognition represents another milestone in the Judiciary’s engagement with international legal institutions and underscores the country’s expanding contribution to the development of jurisprudence across Africa.
