By: Julius Konton
In a powerful address marking the opening of the October Term of the Supreme Court of Liberia, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. urged the nation’s Judiciary to lead with integrity, impartiality, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Speaking from the Temple of Justice in Monrovia, the President emphasized the vital role of the courts in safeguarding democracy and national development.
The occasion also served as a ceremonial welcome to His Honor Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay as the new Chief Justice and His Honor Boakai N. Kanneh as Associate Justice of the Supreme Court.
President Boakai hailed their appointments as a moment of “transition and hope,” highlighting their potential to drive long-overdue reforms in Liberia’s judicial system.
“We commend [Chief Justice Gbeisay’s] expressed determination to pursue long-needed reforms that will strengthen the rule of law and restore the confidence of our citizens,” Boakai stated.
Reflecting on the Judiciary’s critical position among the three co-equal branches of government, President Boakai reminded the audience that true democracy depends on a fair, independent, and effective justice system.
“It is here that every Liberian, rich or poor, educated or uneducated, must find protection and justice,” he said, underscoring the need for impartiality and transparency in court proceedings.
Acknowledging widespread concerns over delayed trials, limited access to justice, and perceptions of judicial bias, President Boakai supported calls for reform and pledged his administration’s full cooperation.
“These concerns are legitimate, and they demand urgent, courageous, and genuine reform,” the President declared.
He further expressed confidence in the new Chief Justice’s vision to decentralize justice delivery, modernize court processes, and elevate judicial integrity.
Tying the Judiciary’s performance to Liberia’s broader development goals under the ARREST Agenda, President Boakai said justice is not just a legal principle but a foundation for economic growth and social peace.
“Investors will come only where processes are predictable, the law is clear and respected,” he noted, reinforcing the importance of the rule of law in attracting economic opportunity.
In his closing remarks, the President addressed judges, magistrates, lawyers, and citizens alike, urging all to uphold justice not only in the courts but in daily life.
“The robe you wear is not a symbol of privilege but of service,” he told members of the judiciary, calling on them to act with “dignity, humility, and courage.”
He also reminded Liberians of a deeper cultural obligation to fairness and compassion, quoting an African proverb: “The ruin of a nation begins in the homes of its people.”
As the new judicial term begins, President Boakai expressed hope that this moment would mark a turning point in Liberia’s pursuit of an impartial and accessible justice system.
“Let us therefore walk together, the Executive, the Legislature, and the Judiciary, in pursuit of a justice system that is impartial, accessible, and worthy of the trust of our people.”
Mranwhile, ceremony concluded with a patriotic call to unity: “Think Liberia, Love Liberia, and Build Liberia.”
