By: Jacqueline L. Dennis
Monrovia, October 30, 2025 — A recent directive from Chief Justice Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay has sparked outrage among employees of the Judiciary, particularly court clerks, who describe the measure as “financially crippling and unrealistic.”
The Chief Justice, following a high-level meeting held at the Temple of Justice’s Resource Center in Monrovia, ordered all Clerks and Assistant Clerks of the Circuit and Specialized Courts to secure indemnity bonds valued at US$50,000 each, while those assigned to Magisterial Courts must obtain bonds worth US$25,000.
According to a leaked document obtained by this paper, the directive mandates that the bonds be issued only by licensed insurance companies and submitted to the Office of the Court Administrator within 60 days.
The meeting, chaired by Chief Justice Gbeisay and attended by Court Administrator Cllr. William B. Kollie, Sr., reportedly focused on combating recurring misconduct within the judiciary — including allegations that some clerks were charging unofficial fees to lawyers and mishandling court revenues.
Chief Justice Gbeisay is said to have defended the policy as a necessary reform to “restore public confidence, promote transparency, and enhance financial accountability” across the judiciary.
However, the decision has triggered a wave of discontent among employees, who insist that the financial burden is simply beyond their means.
“Even our annual salaries don’t reach that amount,” one judicial clerk lamented. “Most of us have no property or collateral — it’s just not feasible.”
Salary documents reviewed by this paper reveal that many clerks, assistant clerks, account clerks, clerk typists, and file clerks earn roughly US$323 plus L$23,647.45 per month, with no additional benefits.
Several staffers also claim that the directive was imposed without consultation and without consideration of their economic realities.
“Some of us were only promoted a few months ago,” another clerk added. “Now we’re being asked to meet a financial requirement that even senior officials might struggle with.”
While sources within the judiciary acknowledge that the Chief Justice’s decision was prompted by mounting reports of unethical conduct among some staff, they argue that the blanket policy unfairly punishes all clerks rather than targeting individual offenders.
As resistance grows, it remains unclear whether Chief Justice Gbeisay will reconsider or amend the bond requirement before the 60-day deadline expires.
