AYV News, May 13, 2026
The Legal Aid Board (LAB) has successfully concluded two community legal education and empowerment engagements in Taiama, Moyamba district, and Blama, Kenema district, aimed at improving access to justice and strengthening legal awareness at the grassroots level.
The sessions were held at the Taiama Court Barry in Kori chiefdom and the Blama Local Court Barry in Small Bo chiefdom, and brought together residents from surrounding communities.
The programme focused on enhancing public understanding of access to justice, community justice systems, and the roles and responsibilities of local authorities and citizens. Key topics covered included the Sexual Offences Act, Domestic Violence Act, Prohibition of Early Child Marriage Act, Local Courts Act, Registration of Customary Marriage Act, and Devolution of Estates laws, among others.
Speaking during both engagements, the Lead Facilitator and Human Resource Manager of the Legal Aid Board, Counsel Ibrahim Bangura, explained the mandate of the institution in promoting due process, fair trial rights, and legal representation for indigent persons.
He emphasised that the right to legal representation is fundamental in ensuring peaceful coexistence and justice for all, noting that the Board’s work is not to promote lawlessness but to safeguard the rights of individuals who come into conflict with the law.
Counsel Bangura further explained that the Legal Aid Board also supports civil legal matters, including maintenance, inheritance disputes, and class action cases, in addition to providing legal representation in criminal matters.
He encouraged residents to make use of Legal Aid Board services in their respective districts and to continue adhering to both statutory laws and accepted customary practices within their communities.
He reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to expanding access to justice and ensuring that “no one is left behind” in the justice delivery system.
Traditional leaders in both communities welcomed the initiative. Paramount Chief Thomas Borbor Gbappi IV of Taiama Kori Chiefdom and Paramount Chief Amy Miatta Myers Benya VI of Small Bo Chiefdom commended the Legal Aid Board for selecting their communities for the engagement.
They expressed appreciation for the sensitization exercise and encouraged the Board to extend similar training to sub-chiefs and local court officials, particularly on the Local Courts Act 2011 and other relevant legal frameworks. The Small Bo Chiefdom leadership also pledged support through community radio outreach.
During the question-and-answer sessions, residents raised concerns on various issues, including whether local authorities have the legal power to banish individuals from their communities for alleged offences. In response, Counsel Bangura clarified that there is no provision in Sierra Leone’s laws that supports banishment as a form of punishment.
In Blama, questions were also raised regarding obligations to care for parents and the rights of women within marriage. Counsel Bangura explained that while caring for parents is not a legal obligation, it remains a strong moral responsibility where possible. He further affirmed that women have rights within marriage, including rights relating to marital relations.
The Legal Aid Board reaffirmed its commitment to continuing public legal education across the country as part of efforts to promote justice, awareness, and the rule of law.
