–President Says Judicial Independence Must Be Matched by Professionalism, Discipline and Fidelity to the Constitution as Government Deepens Justice Sector Reforms
MONROVIA, Liberia – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has commissioned 17 judicial officers, including two judges and 15 court marshals, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to strengthening Liberia’s justice system, upholding the rule of law and restoring public confidence in the Judiciary.
According to the Executive Mansion, the commissioning forms part of the Government’s broader efforts under the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID) to reinforce judicial institutions, promote accountability and integrity, and advance reforms aimed at improving the administration of justice across the country.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony at the Executive Mansion, President Boakai described the appointments as a significant investment in Liberia’s justice sector and an important step toward strengthening the institutions responsible for safeguarding democracy, constitutional governance and the rights of every Liberian.
He reminded the newly commissioned officers that they had accepted not positions of privilege, but a solemn public trust.
According to the President, every judgment rendered and every action taken by judicial officers will either strengthen or weaken public confidence in the nation’s justice system.
“The nation cannot prosper where the rule of law is weak,” President Boakai declared. “Investors lose confidence, citizens lose hope, criminals become emboldened, and institutions deteriorate.”
Justice Central to National Development
President Boakai emphasized that strengthening the rule of law remains one of the central pillars of his administration’s development agenda, stressing that sustainable economic growth, democratic governance, national security and social stability depend on a Judiciary that dispenses justice fairly, impartially and without fear or favor.
He noted that judicial independence must always be accompanied by responsibility, professionalism, integrity, diligence and unwavering fidelity to the Constitution.
The President also disclosed that he had recently held discussions with Chief Justice Sie-A-Nyene Gyapay Yuoh regarding ongoing judicial reforms, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to building a Judiciary capable of resolving cases promptly while ensuring fairness and equal justice under the law.
“The wheels of justice may turn slowly, but they must never turn so slowly that our courts become revolving doors through which criminals repeatedly pass without consequence,” the President said.
Charge to Judges and Court Marshals
Addressing the newly commissioned judges, President Boakai urged them to ensure that their legacy is measured not by the number of cases they adjudicate, but by the confidence their decisions inspire among the Liberian people.
He similarly called on the newly commissioned court marshals to perform their duties with professionalism, discipline, restraint and unwavering respect for the constitutional rights and dignity of every citizen.
The President reminded the officers that while the Executive provides national leadership and the Legislature enacts laws, it is the Judiciary’s constitutional responsibility to interpret and apply those laws independently, fairly and faithfully.
He expressed confidence that Liberia would become stronger, safer and more prosperous when each branch of government faithfully performs its constitutional responsibilities.
Newly Commissioned Judicial Officers
The newly commissioned judicial officers include Judge Nelson B. Chineh, who was appointed Resident Circuit Judge of the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit in River Gee County, and Cllr. Tarlo Wehyee, who was commissioned as Labor Court Judge for Nimba County.
President Boakai also commissioned Emmanuel T. Nyenkan as Marshal of the Supreme Court of Liberia, along with 15 Deputy Court Marshals assigned to judicial circuits across the country.
Those commissioned include:
- Blessing Jebbeh Morris – Montserrado County
- Jerry T. McIntosh – Grand Bassa County
- Peter M. Weagba – Sinoe County
- Advester Collor, Jr. – Maryland County
- Momodu Massaquoi – Grand Cape Mount County
- Bill Alonzo Gartor – Grand Gedeh County
- Nathan P. Suah – Nimba County
- Abraham O. Kollie, Jr. – Bong County
- John F. Powoe – Lofa County
- Nimely Weah – Bomi County
- Robert B. Toe – Grand Kru County
- Henry K. Eric – Margibi County
- Jefferson S. Saydee – River Cess County
- Toweah Geegbeh – River Gee County
- Saymon P. Fahnbulleh – Gbarpolu County
Background
The commissioning comes as the Boakai administration continues pursuing reforms under the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, with strengthening the justice sector identified as a key priority for promoting the rule of law, improving access to justice and enhancing public confidence in state institutions.
The Government has repeatedly emphasized that an independent, professional and accountable Judiciary is essential to attracting investment, protecting constitutional rights, combating crime and corruption, and fostering sustainable national development.
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