By: Julius Konton
President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has underscored the need for an urgent reform within Liberia’s Judiciary sector stressing that it is non- negotiable.
Speaking when he commissioned the Chief Justice and Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of Liberia, The Liberian leader told the gathering that transparency, speedy and fair justce is the foundation of a thriving democracy.
“Transparency and asset declaration are not optional they are legal requirements and moral obligations”, he re-emphasized.
Speaking further President Boakai called on all members of the Judiciary and Legislature to declare their assets and uphold the highest ethical standards to restore public trust.
According to him, public trust for the Judiciary has been mixed and it is time for them to work to ensure such is regain for the betterment of the sector.
At the well attended commissioning ceremony, President Boakai also urged the newly appointed Ambassadors to see their role as Liberia’s face abroad, particularly as the country begins its historic two-year term on the United Nations Security Council.
“You are called ‘Excellency’ for a reason, Represent us with dignity, but also with action and attract investment, boost tourism, build partnerships, and make Liberia’s voice heard,” he said.
At the same time, the Liberian leader charged commissioned leadership of the Liberia Telecommunications Authority to ensure Liberia seizes the opportunities of the digital age.
“Your work must drive innovation, economic growth, and opportunities for our young people to thrive in a knowledge-based economy,” he stated, adding that technology must benefit every corner of the country.
Speaking in the Parlors of the Executive Mansion at a ceremony commissioning the Chief Justice, Associate Justice, Ambassadors, and Commissioners of the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA), President Boakai declared that the era of “business as usual” is over and that his Administration will measure officials by their performance and commitment to the Liberian people.
He highlighted his Administration’s zero tolerance for corruption, warning that any misuse of public resources will be met with full legal consequences.
According to him, those found in breach of anti-graft laws will be held fully accountable,” he warned.
“This is your moment to rise, your country is calling, Deliver with courage, integrity, and humility,” the President told his commissioned officials.
The Liberian chief executive also reminded the commissioned officials that he will be tracking their progress and holding them accountable as such ,they need to see public sector as an opportunity to serve and serve well.
Meanwhile, the well organized commissioning ceremony which took place at the parlor of the Executive Mansion on Capitol Hill in Monrovia saw about fifteen senior government officials being commissioned from the Judiciary, Executive and Foreign service respectively.
Among those commissioned from the Judiciary include; Yamie Gbeisay – Chief Justic, Boakai N. Kanneh, Associate Justice and Victoria W. Duncan, Resident Judge, Margibi County.
At the foreign service end, John Ballout, Ambassador to Nigeria, Amb. George S.W. Patten, Ambassador to South Africa, Mohammed M. Dukuly, Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates and Henry B. Fahnbulleh, Ambassador to Egypt.
From the Executive with focus on Telecommunications sector , Clarence K. Massaquoi was commissioned as Commissioner & Chairman, LTA, Ben A. Fofana, Commissioner, LTA, Emmanuel J. Payegar, Commissioner, LTA, Patrick R. Honnah, Commissioner, LTA and Angela Cassell Bush – Commissioner, LTA respectively.
