MONROVIA — The Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer of the Law Reform Commission, Cllr. Bornor M. Varmah, has underscored the critical role of strong legal frameworks in national governance, declaring that laws—not just leaders—ultimately shape the direction of a nation.
“Nations aren’t only governed by leaders; they are governed by laws,” Varmah said. “And the strength of those laws depends on how well they are written.”
He made the remarks at the opening of a three-day Legal Drafting Training for Liberia’s bicameral Legislature, held from March 18–20, 2026. The training, organized by the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy, aims to strengthen the technical capacity of legislative staff responsible for legal drafting and counsel.
Strengthening Legislative Capacity
The program targets departments of Legal Counsel and Legal Drafting within the Legislature, equipping participants with specialized skills to improve the quality, clarity, and effectiveness of laws enacted in Liberia.
The training is being facilitated by former Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of Liberia, Cllr. Philip A.Z. Banks III, a respected figure in Liberia’s legal community.
It is part of the broader Legislative Capacity Strengthening Project under the Electoral Support Project (LESP), implemented in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme, UN Women, and NIMD, with funding support from the European Union and the Embassy of Sweden.
Law as a Tool for Nation-Building
In his keynote remarks, Varmah challenged participants to view legal drafting as more than a technical exercise, describing it as a fundamental instrument of nation-building.
He urged lawmakers and legislative staff to prioritize clarity, coherence, and long-term impact when crafting legislation.
“Legal drafting must not be seen merely as a technical skill,” he emphasized. “It is a nation-building tool that must produce laws capable of standing the test of time and serving generations to come.”
Call for Collaboration
Varmah also reaffirmed the Law Reform Commission’s readiness to support the Legislature in strengthening Liberia’s legal architecture.
He said the Commission remains committed to working closely with lawmakers in areas such as:
- Codification of laws
- Harmonization of legal frameworks
- Technical support for legislative drafting
“The Law Reform Commission stands ready to collaborate as a technical partner to ensure that our laws are clear, consistent, and effective,” he stated.
Institutional Representation
The Law Reform Commission is actively participating in the training, with a delegation that includes:
- Cllr. Bornor M. Varmah – Chairperson/CEO
- Cllr. Ramses T. Kumbuyah – Executive Director
- Atty. Joe Trokon Bryant – Legal Research Officer
- Atty. Armah Gobah – Legal Research Officer
About NIMD
The Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy (NIMD) is an international pro-democracy organization that promotes inclusive governance and political dialogue through initiatives designed to strengthen democratic institutions and bridge societal divides.
Looking Ahead
The training is expected to enhance the Legislature’s ability to produce high-quality laws, thereby strengthening governance, accountability, and the rule of law in Liberia.
For Varmah, the message is clear: the future of Liberia depends not only on who leads—but on the quality of the laws that guide the nation.
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