MONROVIA, LIBERIA – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has called on Liberia’s judiciary to deliver justice “without fear, favor, or delay,” while pledging his administration’s continued support for judicial independence and the rule of law.
Speaking at the formal opening of the Supreme Court’s March Term on Monday, March 10, 2025, President Boakai underscored the crucial role of the judiciary in preserving Liberia’s democracy and ensuring public trust in the legal system.
The ceremony, held at the Temple of Justice, was attended by Chief Justice Sie-A-Nyene Gyapay Yuoh, Associate Justices, lawmakers, judges, and other senior government officials. Boakai’s remarks came at the invitation of Chief Justice Yuoh, who is set to retire in June after leading the nation’s highest court since 2022.
In his address, the President praised Chief Justice Yuoh for her leadership and commended the judiciary’s efforts to uphold the constitution. He acknowledged the challenges facing the legal system but stressed that public confidence depends on a judiciary that is both independent and efficient.
“As we work to strengthen our democratic institutions, it is vital that the judiciary remains impartial and delivers justice without fear, favor, or delay,” Boakai said, echoing language from the Liberian Constitution.
While expressing gratitude for Yuoh’s service, Boakai reflected on Liberia’s judicial legacy, highlighting the contributions of former Chief Justices such as Samuel Benedict, whose early rulings helped shape the nation’s legal framework, and Louis Arthur Grimes, who defended Liberia’s sovereignty at the League of Nations before assuming the judiciary’s top position.
The President also linked judicial integrity to his administration’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, a policy framework focused on accountability, infrastructure, and good governance. He emphasized that the rule of law is essential to achieving these goals and vowed to collaborate with the judiciary to ensure a fair and efficient legal system.
“Our administration recognizes that a well-functioning judiciary is central to maintaining peace and fostering national development,” Boakai said.
However, his call for judicial independence comes amid concerns raised by Chief Justice Yuoh about the Executive Branch’s failure to fully support the judiciary’s five-year strategic plan. The plan includes the construction of seven judicial complexes across Liberia and the introduction of an Electronic Case Management System (ECMS) by 2026, a project supported by the African Development Bank (AfDB).
