MONROVIA – If there is one person who was self-critical in the history of the Judicial Branch of the Liberian Government, that person is the outgoing Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Liberia, Her Honor Sie-A-Nyene Yuoh.
The outgoing Chief Justice is on record of pointing out ills within the Judiciary, which she has labelled during her reign as the top judge of Liberia, as a menace that has stifled dispensation of justice to all regardless of status in society.
Associate Justice Sie-A-Nyene Gyapay Yuoh Tipped for Chief Justice Post
In September 2022, former President George Manneh Weah nominated Associate Justice Sie-A-Yuoh as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Liberia following the retirement of former Chief Justice Francis Korkpor.
Top sources at the Senate in 2022 confided that President George Weah’s favorable pick for Chief Justice was Justice Sie-A-Nyene Gyapay Yuoh. Justice Yuoh succeeded Chief Justice Francis Korkpor, who retired in September 2022. Justice Yuoh was once the wife of Bomi County Senator Edwin Snowe.
Few senators at that time believed that the President’s pick was not the in line of succession. Some believed Justice Jamesetta Howard Wolokolie would have been a better pick while other senators believed Associate Justice Yuoh was not the best pick because she was allegedly “compromised” and warned that she was not the best pick because of doubt over her independence.
One senator said at the time: “She will not be independent as Chief Justice; she will only listen to Snowe.”
Who is Yuoh?
Yuoh was born in Montserrado County, Republic of Liberia. She obtained her high school education and diploma from the St. Teresa’s Convent, a Catholic-run and owned high school in Monrovia, in 1974 and enrolled at the Cuttington University College (CUC), now Cuttington University (CU), in Suakoko, Bong County, in pursuit of her tertiary education where she graduated in 1978 with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Political Science.
In 1979, Justice Yuoh enrolled at the Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law, University of Liberia, where she was trained as a lawyer. In 1981, she successfully completed her law studies at this institution and obtained a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree and was subsequently admitted into the Liberia National Bar Association as an Attorney-At-Law. Her Honor was also admitted as Counsellor-At-Law of the Supreme Court Bar in 1988.
Associate Justice Sie-A-Nyene Gyapay Yuoh began her public and professional service within the Executive Branch, Republic of Liberia, first at the Ministry of Justice as an Assistant Minister for Legal Affairs from 1983 – 1985, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as the Coordinator, African Affairs, 1988 – 1990, the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL) as Corporate Secretary/Assistant Legal Counsel/Secretary, Board of Governors of the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL) from 2000 – 2003 and lastly at the Law Reform Commission, where she served as Acting Executive Director and Commissioner respectively from July 2011 – April 2013.
Justice Yuoh also extended her professional legal services within the private sector where she served as Associate and Legal Counsel at the David A.B. Jallah Law Firm, on Johnson Street, Monrovia Liberia, from 1994 – 2000.
In 2013, Madam Justice Yuoh, was nominated, appointed and subsequently commissioned as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of Liberia.
PROFESSIONAL & SOCIAL AFFILIATION
Madam Justice Sie-A-Nyene G. Yuoh has proudly served as Vice President of the Liberia National Bar Association (LNBA) from 1994 – 1998; was a founding member of the Association of Female Lawyers of Liberia (AFELL) and served as its 1st Vice President from 1997 – 1998; Chairperson of the Judiciary Committee of the Liberia National Bar Association (LNBA) from 2012 – 2013 and also served as President of the Maryland County Local Bar Association in 2013.
Chief Justice Youh’s family is blessed with 10 children and two grandchildren.
Legacy as Associate & Chief Justice
One of the first points of references on the outgoing Chief Justice’s legacy will be the handling of the legal aspect when it came to the political impasse that engulfed the House of Representatives in late 2024 and early 2025.
The air in the nation became so literally tense that it could be cut asunder with a knife when the Supreme Court was set to deliver its final ruling in the Bill of Information case that had been filed by former House Speaker Cllr. Jonathan Fonati Koffa.
It was reported that the Chief Justice had delayed her ruling because the President had reportedly told her to do so as he was said to have been mitigating the between and among the opposing lawmakers on Capitol Hill.
Chief Justice Yuoh did deliver her ruling and it was like a bombshell, but it helped solved the problem.
In 2013, Yuoh was appointed as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of Liberia, one of two women among the court’s five justices.
In April 2016, a Roberts International Airport security officer was imprisoned for a week on contempt charges after Yuoh complained that he had disrespected her.
In October 2016, Yuoh lifted a stay order on the holding of the election for Speaker of the House of Representatives, declining Alex J. Tyler’s plea that he was removed unconstitutionally leading to the election of former Representative Emmanuel Nuquay now Senator.
In March 2017, Yuoh was one of the three justices to vote in favor of the controversial new National Code of Conduct, which prohibits officials appointed by the President from engaging in political activities.
On August 23, 2022, President George Weah nominated Yuoh to replace Francis Korkpor as Chief Justice when he retired on September 27, 2022.
Following the services of two Liberian female Chief Justices of the Supreme Court of Liberia, the Liberian former leader, President George Manneh Weah nominated Associate Justice Sie-A-Nyene Gyapay Yuoh as Liberia’s new Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Liberia to replace Chief Justice Francis Korkpor, who retires in September 2022.
The other two eminent Liberian women who have served as Chief Justices are Cllr. Gloria Musu Scott, 1997 to 2003, and Cllr. Frances Johnson Allison, 1996 to 1997.
On September 28, 2022 former President Weah commissioned Liberia’s 3rd Female Chief Justice, Sie-A-Nyene Yuoh and expressed his confidence in the ability of Chief Justice Yuoh to perform because she has the requisite experience, skills and qualifications.
The President expressed delight about the fact that Cllr. Yuoh appointed by him, was the third female Chief Justice in the 175-year history of the founding of the Liberian Republic. He also noted that the new Chief Justice had become the first female to ascend to this high office of leadership in the Second Branch of Government since 2003, some 19 years ago at the time.
In her remarks at that occasion attended by an array of government officials, including members of the National Legislature and the Judiciary, Chief Justice Yuoh promised to uphold the rule of law, and dispense justice without fear and favor.
Yuoh Laments Underdevelopment of Courts
In one of her first areas of concerns for a better Judiciary, Chief Justice Yuoh was to put together a five-year strategic plan for the Judiciary.
Chief Justice Yuoh complained to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai about the low budgetary allocation and underdevelopment of the court system across the country.
At the dedication of the 14th Judicial Circuit Court Complex in Cestos City, River Cess County, on August 12, 2024, she lamented that no magistrate court had been renovated or built in over a decade.
She told President Boakai that the government should put its money where its mouth is. Instead, Chief Justice Yuoh noted that the Legislature and the Executive continue to establish magisterial courts without putting funds in the budget for them.
When established, she accused the Executive and the Legislature of making no budgetary allocations for the stipendiary magistrate and the two associate magistrates, bailiff, and other staff who are supposed to run these magisterial courts.
Is Social Media Influencing Justice in Liberia?
The outgoing Chief Justice thought so and blamed various social platforms for denting public confidence in the Justice System. As she leaves the post, does she still think so, only time will tell.
While many believe that judicial actors’ inability to dispense justice fairly and the reported sale of justice to the highest bidder is the major reason why many Liberians, and foreigners alike, do not believe in the country’s justice system, Chief Justice Sie-A-Nyene Yuoh thinks that could be another reason.
The low level of confidence in the justice system, Chief Justice Yuoh said, is due to the uncontrolled nature of social media—raising concerns about the impact of social media on public confidence in the justice system in Liberia.
Speaking at the International Association of Judges (IAJ) conference on Monday, May 6, the nation’s most senior judicial figure emphasized the dangers of misinformation and sensationalism spread through social media platforms.
Justice Yuoh noted her assertion is supported by the fact that the issues surrounding free speech, and checks and balances are overwhelmingly abused by online reporters, who conveniently substitute accurate reporting for misinformation and sensational headlines.
Speaking on the topic; “The Impact of the Media on the Public’s Perception of Justice in the New Information Age”, Justice Yuoh said, it is the fact that not all of those reporting and posting have any formal or informal training in Mass Communications and do not have the slightest thought or conviction as to the damaging effect their actions have on that innumerable population segment.
Justice Yuoh highlighted instances where media coverage influenced public perception of legal cases, citing examples where premature judgments were made based on incomplete or inaccurate information.
Justice Yuoh’s impending retirement was officially communicated to the Liberian Bar Association (LBA) and key government officials, ensuring a smooth transition process. The news has already sparked discussions and speculation regarding potential nominees to fill the prestigious position.
Appointed as Chief Justice in on August 23, 2022 to replace Francis Korkpor who retired on September 27, 2022, Justice Yuoh has overseen a period of significant challenges and reforms within the Liberian judiciary. Briefly mentioned key accomplishments or initiatives led by Justice Yuoh. Examples: She has championed efforts to reduce case backlogs, increase public access to justice, and promote judicial independence.
Her retirement comes at a crucial time for Liberia, as the nation continues to strengthen its democratic institutions and uphold the rule of law. The process of selecting a new Chief Justice will be closely scrutinized and is expected to involve consultations with various stakeholders, including the LBA, civil society organizations, and the Liberian Senate, which holds the power to confirm the President’s nominee.
“The LBA will play a vital role in advising the President on potential candidates and ensuring that the nominee possesses the necessary qualifications, integrity, and experience to lead the judiciary effectively,” stated a senior member of the LBA.
The selection of the next Chief Justice is expected to be a priority for the Boakai Administration highlighting the importance of a transparent and merit-based appointment process to maintain public trust and confidence in the Liberian judicial system.
Justice Yuoh’s legacy will undoubtedly be one of lasting impact, and her successor will face the challenge of building upon her achievements and continuing to strengthen the judiciary’s role in upholding justice and the rule of law in Liberia.
Yuoh Calls for Judicial Independence, Infrastructure Support in Final Address
Chief Justice Sie-A-Nyene Yuoh delivered her final opening address for the March Term of Court on Monday, March 10, 2025, at the Supreme Court of Liberia, marking the end of an illustrious judicial career.
Her retirement aligns with Article 72(B) of the 1986 Constitution of the Republic of Liberia, which mandates that justices retire upon reaching the age of 70. Accordingly, Chief Justice Yuoh celebrates her 70th birthday in June 2025.
In a reflective and emotional speech, Chief Justice Yuoh recounted her remarkable journey through the Judiciary, highlighting the principles of justice and fairness that guided her rise from Associate Justice to the nation’s top Judicial Officer.
She spoke of landmark cases that shaped her tenure, including pivotal rulings on civil rights protections and the complex balance between privacy and security in the digital age.
“As I stand before you today, delivering my final opening address, I am reminded of the profound responsibility entrusted to me as a custodian of the rule of law. It has been an honor to serve this nation and uphold the Constitution with integrity and impartiality,” Chief Justice Yuoh stated.
Her departure comes at a time when the Judiciary continues to advocate for greater support and financial autonomy.
During the same session, the Bench renewed its call for the Executive Branch to address long-standing infrastructure and budgetary concerns.
A key issue raised was the deteriorating state of the Temple of Justice building. Since the March Term 2023, the Judiciary has pressed for the construction of a new Supreme Court facility to relieve overcrowding and address structural weaknesses.
Chief Justice Yuoh personally led discussions with the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China, who expressed willingness to assist—provided that the necessary structural designs are submitted through the Ministries of Finance and Foreign Affairs, as required under diplomatic protocols. However, both ministries have allegedly failed to act on the request, leaving the project stalled.
Furthermore, the Judiciary criticized the Ministry of Finance’s continued control over its budget, a practice that violates the Financial Autonomy Act (2006). The law grants the Judiciary the right to independently prepare and submit its annual budget estimates without interference from the Executive Branch. “It was the Minister of Finance who set the budget for the Judiciary, a conduct that was clearly in violation of the Financial Autonomy Act (2006),” the statement noted.
Chief Justice Yuoh underscored the importance of preserving judicial independence, citing section 21.3 (1) (2) of the New Judiciary Law, which empowers the Supreme Court to submit its budget directly to the Bureau of the Budget to cover personnel, supplies, services, and retirement benefits.
Quoting former Chief Justice A. Dash Wilson Sr.’s 1968 address, Chief Justice Yuoh reminded her colleagues of their solemn duty:
“The position of a judge is a sacrificial one, dominated only by the observance of his sacred oath of office, patriotic loyalty to the administration in power, and a conscience that guides him continuously against injudicious speculations and gamble.”
As Chief Justice Yuoh retires on June 26, 2025, her legacy remains firmly rooted in her unwavering commitment to justice, the rule of law, and the protection of judicial independence.
Her final address marks the end of an era in Liberia’s legal history and sets the stage for the next chapter in the nation’s judiciary.
