Bar Association Ordered to Hold AGM Amid Governance Crisis

The Sierra Leone Bar Association (SLBA) has been directed by the National Investment Board (NIB) to proceed with its Annual General Meeting (AGM) as scheduled on June 5–6, 2026, in Lungi, Port Loko District. This intervention follows the SLBA's indefinite postponement of the AGM, which the NIB deemed a violation of statutory obligations.

Background

The SLBA, registered as a company limited by guarantee, last held its AGM in May 2024 in Kenema. Since then, no annual returns or audited accounts have been filed, creating a statutory backlog. Under Section 185(1) of the Companies Act, an AGM must be held within 15 months of the previous one.

NIB's Directives

The NIB issued several binding directives:

• The AGM must take place on June 5–6, 2026, as originally scheduled.
• A neutral Returning Officer and independent observers will oversee elections to ensure transparency.
• The AGM must prioritize the presentation of audited accounts, appointment of auditors, and election of new executive officers.
• The SLBA must publish the register of members entitled to participate.

Implications

This ruling underscores the importance of orderly governance in professional associations and the statutory requirement for accountability. It also highlights Sierra Leone's regulatory capacity to enforce compliance when corporate bodies default on their obligations.