–Finance Minister Says Strong Judiciary Is the Foundation of Economic Growth, Warns Against Corruption and Announces 80% Increase in Judicial Budget
MONROVIA – Finance and Development Planning Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan has challenged Liberia’s newest magistrates to uphold integrity above personal interest, warning that judicial authority is a sacred public trust that can never be used for private gain.
Delivering the keynote address at the 5th Graduation Exercises of the James A. A. Pierre Judicial Institute, Ngafuan told the 64 graduates that while their legal knowledge would earn them respect, only integrity would earn them the confidence of the Liberian people.
“The authority you carry is not your personal property,” Ngafuan declared.
“It belongs to the Republic of Liberia, and the Republic can take it from you.”
His address, delivered at the Temple of Justice in Monrovia before Chief Justice Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay, Associate Justices, Justice Minister N. Oswald Tweh, members of the judiciary, development partners and family members of the graduates, blended a strong defense of judicial independence with the government’s economic vision, arguing that justice and development are inseparable.
‘Without the Rule of Law, Our Economy Rests on Sinking Sand’
Ngafuan said Liberia’s development ambitions depend not only on sound economic policies but also on a judiciary capable of dispensing swift, impartial and credible justice.
According to him, no amount of investment promotion or economic planning can succeed where the rule of law is weak.
“We can design the most brilliant economic frameworks and draft ambitious development agendas, and we can invite premium global capital to our shores,” he said.
“But if the rule of law is weak, if property rights are insecure, and if ordinary citizens or investors cannot count on swift impartial justice, our entire economic baseline rests on sinking sand.”
He described the judiciary as “the final anchor of public trust,” arguing that confidence in Liberia’s courts remains one of the country’s most important economic assets.
Government Now Funding Judicial Training
One of the major announcements in Ngafuan’s address was that Liberia has significantly reduced its dependence on foreign donors in training judicial officers.
He noted that while previous classes of the Professional Magistrate Training Program were financed largely by international partners, the current fifth cycle marks a turning point.
According to him, more than 90 percent of the program’s funding came directly from the Government of Liberia, describing the achievement as evidence of increasing national ownership of judicial reform.
“This cycle is being funded by more than 90 percent by the Government of Liberia through the judiciary’s budget,” he said.
“This is evidence that Liberia is ready to pay for its own institutional progress, secure its own peace, and invest directly in the intellect of its public servants.”
Judiciary Budget Up 80 Percent
Ngafuan also highlighted what he described as the Boakai administration’s unprecedented investment in the justice sector.
He disclosed that the judiciary’s budget has increased from US$18.5 million in 2023 to US$33.3 million in 2026—an increase of approximately 80 percent over three years.
According to the Finance Minister, the additional funding is supporting the construction of courts, modernization of judicial infrastructure, digitization of court records and proceedings, logistics for judges and public defenders, and other reforms intended to improve access to justice across Liberia.
“As a testament to the government’s abiding commitment to an effective and independent judiciary, we have increased the judiciary’s budget from US$18.5 million in 2023 to US$33.3 million in 2026,” he said.
Ngafuan further revealed that the government has restored Supreme Court Justices’ remuneration to pre-harmonization levels while also approving salary adjustments for magistrates and other judicial workers.
He, however, acknowledged that more remains to be done, noting that future improvements would depend on continued domestic revenue growth and prudent management of government spending.
‘Sharpness Without Integrity Is a Menace’
In what became one of the most memorable moments of the ceremony, Ngafuan cautioned graduates against believing that legal brilliance alone would make them successful judicial officers.
He argued that competence without integrity could become dangerous.
“I urge you not to be content with being regarded as just a sharp judge or a sharp lawyer,” he said.
“A sharp lawyer or a sharp judge with integrity is a blessing to society. A sharp lawyer or judge with no integrity is a menace to society.”
He further warned magistrates never to discriminate between the powerful and the vulnerable.
“Do not punish the weak or the poor because they have no protector. And do not excuse the powerful because they have a name,” Ngafuan admonished.
Prepare for Pressure
Ngafuan reminded the graduates that their greatest test would begin after graduation when they assume judicial responsibilities across the country.
He warned that they would inevitably face pressure from politicians, relatives, business people and influential individuals seeking favorable rulings.
“You will face pressure from relatives, friends, politicians, community leaders, business people and sometimes from people who will try to use kindness, fear, money or influence to bend the law,” he said.
“When that day comes, remember this: the authority you carry is not your personal property.”
He urged the graduates to distinguish between constructive criticism and malicious attacks.
“True leadership demands that we listen,” Ngafuan said.
“Your task as judicial workers is to learn how to separate constructive critique from toxic noise.”
Three Pillars: Integrity, Service and Partnership
Ngafuan organized the closing section of his speech around what he described as three principles that should define every magistrate’s career: Integrity, Service and Partnership.
He warned that corruption by even one magistrate could undermine years of institutional reform.
“A single corrupt ruling by one magistrate can undo years of institutional hard work,” he cautioned.
Describing the courtroom as “an altar of humble service,” he reminded graduates that every vulnerable citizen who appears before them represents the true purpose of judicial office.
“Listen more than you speak. Analyze data more than rumor. And exercise your authority with absolute restraint,” he advised.
He also stressed that judges and magistrates cannot strengthen the justice system alone but must work closely with communities, traditional leaders and other actors in the justice sector to preserve public confidence.
‘Today Is Better Than Yesterday’
Looking beyond the graduates, Ngafuan defended the government’s broader efforts to strengthen the judiciary.
He acknowledged that critics may focus on unfinished reforms but insisted measurable progress has already been achieved.
“The judiciary President Joseph Nyuma Boakai met on January 22, 2024, is not the same judiciary that we see today,” he declared.
“Today is better than yesterday. And based on the positive work of the leadership and members of the judiciary, backed by the unswerving support of the President and the Government, the judiciary tomorrow will be better than it is today.”
Sixty-Four New Magistrates Graduate
The ceremony marked the graduation of 64 magistrates from the Professional Magistrate Training Program after they successfully completed all academic, practical and professional requirements prescribed by the James A. A. Pierre Judicial Institute. Institute officials said the graduates demonstrated commitment, discipline and professionalism throughout the program and are now prepared to serve courts across Liberia.
Addressing the graduates one final time, Ngafuan reminded them that Liberia does not expect perfection but unwavering honesty.
“This country does not expect you to be infallible,” he concluded.
“But it demands that you be honest, disciplined and courageous. Do that and Liberia will be more stable, our economy will be more secure and the Republic will be eternally proud of you.”
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