Anti-Corruption Prosecutor and Legal Scholar Recognised at Bintumani Hotel for Leadership, Professional Excellence and National Service
By Usman Fambuleh
FREETOWN, SIERRA LEONE: The newly appointed Head of the Department of Law at IMATT College, University of Sierra Leone, Joel Tejan Deen-Tarawally Esq., has received the prestigious 100 Most Impactful Sierra Leonean Leaders Award 2026, recognising his contributions to legal practice, anti-corruption prosecution, legal education, human rights advocacy and public service.
Deen-Tarawally received the recognition at the awards ceremony organised by the West Africa Youth and Children’s Advocacy Network (WAYCAN) on Friday, 9 October 2026, at Bintumani Hotel in Aberdeen, Freetown. The ceremony, which commenced at 6:00 p.m. according to the official award announcement, celebrated individuals whose professional achievements, leadership and service have contributed to Sierra Leone’s development. The event was held under the theme, “Celebrating Leadership, Inspiring Excellence, Building Sierra Leone’s Future.”
His recognition comes at a defining moment in his professional journey, following his appointment as Head of the Department of Law at IMATT College, effective 1 October 2026. With 13 years of experience as a legal practitioner, Deen-Tarawally currently serves as a Prosecutor at the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), where his professional responsibilities place him within Sierra Leone’s broader efforts to strengthen accountability and the rule of law. His elevation to departmental leadership reflects the growing responsibilities he carries in legal education and the preparation of future legal practitioners.
Beyond prosecution and academic leadership, Deen-Tarawally has built a professional record spanning human rights advocacy, legal research and access to justice. During his service at the Legal Aid Board as a Human Rights Advocate and Defence Lawyer, he represented indigent persons and children in conflict with the law. His academic contributions have also addressed critical legal issues, including anti-corruption legislation, asset recovery, whistleblower protection, witness protection, disability rights and fundamental human rights. Through his teaching at IMATT College, he has contributed to the development of law students in areas including Human Rights Law, Media and Telecommunications Law, and Criminal Law.
The award represents a significant professional milestone for Deen-Tarawally and brings further recognition to IMATT College’s Law Department. As he assumes responsibility for leading the department, his experience in legal practice, prosecution, scholarship and teaching provides a foundation for advancing academic discipline, professional ethics and legal excellence. His recognition also underscores the importance of legal professionals who combine their technical expertise with a commitment to public service and the development of future generations.
Deen-Tarawally’s achievement reinforces the importance of leadership that extends beyond professional titles to encompass service, knowledge, integrity and national development. His recognition by WAYCAN places him among the 2026 award recipients drawn from different professional and public-service backgrounds. For IMATT College, the honour marks a moment of institutional pride, while for aspiring legal practitioners, it offers an example of the value of sustained professional commitment, academic contribution and service to society.
