By Francis H. Murray
Chief Justice Desmond Babatunde Edwards has concluded an inspection tour of court facilities in the east, north, northwest and southern provinces of the country.
The tour, authorities say, was aimed at extending reforms in the judiciary and the justice sector to other parts of the country.
The visit, which was conducted from 14 – 16 January, covered Kailahun, Bo, Kambia, Port Loko, Kabala and Masiaka.
The tour, according to the Court Operations Manager Olayinka Laggah, was to inspect judiciary facilities as far as court governance is concerned, and to improve on dilapidated buildings in readiness to properly host resident judges that have been posted in various courts in some parts of the country.
In his address, Justice Edwards said the dispensation of justice was not only limited to expeditious trials but also “effective and efficient” administration in a peaceful and decent environment for not only magistrates, but also judges, clerks and even lawyers and their clients.
"In as much as I have assigned resident judges in places where there were no sitting judges, I also want to ensure the courts are in good condition," he said.
He thanked President Julius Maada Bio's administration for making the funds available for the Judiciary to carry out its day-to-day activities as provided for by law which he said resonated with his desire to renovate the court buildings to match up with other countries in the sub-region.
The Chief Justice added that court premises should be fenced with the registries and chambers of judges and magistrates well furnished.
The team also comprised the Principal Accountant, Alpha Charles, Court Facilities and Assets Officer, James Sesay and engineers.
The tour started in Kailahun and moved to Bo, Port Loko and later in the townships of Kambia and Kabala. And ended in Koya Chiefdom where they also visited the proposed site for the construction of another court along the Bo Highway.
In the Western Area Rural District of Waterloo, the team visited the Magistrate Court for a total refurbishment.
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