Freetown, 23rd July 2026- The High Court of Sierra Leone has issued firm directives to the Sierra Leone Bar Association (SLBA) and its executive officers, mandating transparency and strict adherence to constitutional provisions ahead of the Association’s Annual General Meeting (AGM).
Justice Mark Ngegba, ruling on July 23, 2026, ordered the SLBA leadership to publish the full list of members eligible to vote by July 29, 2026. Eligibility hinges on proof of payment of registration, subscription, and conference fees, verified solely through bank payment slips submitted before the May 29 deadline.
Key court orders include: The SLBA must release the names of all fully paid-up members by July 29, ensuring transparency in voter eligibility. Only bank payment slips will be accepted as proof of payment; no alternative methods are permitted. The executive elections must strictly follow the Association’s Memorandum and Articles of Association. Members can only gain entry and participate in the AGM by presenting verified bank slips showing payments made before May 29 and the SLBA must provide audited financial statements and bank records covering May 2024 to June 2026 to both the plaintiff and members by July 30.
This ruling underscores growing demands for accountability within professional bodies in Sierra Leone. By tying voting rights and AGM participation strictly to verified financial contributions, the court aims to eliminate disputes over membership legitimacy and ensure fair elections.
The order also compels the SLBA to open its financial books, a move likely to spark debate among members about transparency and governance in one of the country’s most influential professional associations.
