MONROVIA – Chief Justice Sie-A-Nyene G. Yuoh has accused the Executive Branch of hindering key judicial reforms, citing delays in providing support for the construction of a new Supreme Court building and other critical projects.
Speaking during the opening of the Supreme Court’s March Term on Monday, March 10, 2025, Chief Justice Yuoh expressed frustration over the lack of cooperation from government ministries in advancing the judiciary’s five-year strategic plan. The address marked her final term before retirement in June 2025.
Despite holding discussions with the Chinese Ambassador to secure financial assistance for the construction of a new Supreme Court, Yuoh revealed that progress has stalled due to the failure of relevant ministries to transmit necessary technical documents.
“The judiciary cannot achieve its vision of modernization and efficiency without the cooperation of the other branches of government,” she warned, emphasizing that the judiciary’s independence is being undermined by bureaucratic delays.
Yuoh, who was appointed in 2022 following the retirement of Cllr. Francis Korkpor, highlighted the ambitious goals outlined in the judiciary’s strategic plan. These include the construction of seven judicial complexes across Liberia to ease overcrowding at the Temple of Justice, which dates back to the 1960s.
The plan also calls for the construction of 20 modern magisterial courts, with initial projects set to begin in Brewerville and Gardnersville, Montserrado County, in the coming weeks.
While acknowledging progress in some areas, including the completion of a judicial complex in Rivercess County and ongoing work in Maryland County, Yuoh argued that the lack of full government support threatens to derail these initiatives.
She also stressed the importance of judicial financial autonomy, urging the Executive and Legislative branches to respect the Financial Autonomy Act of 2006. The law mandates that the judiciary’s budget be independent, ensuring it has the resources to carry out its constitutional duties without external interference.
“I am pleased to report that through discussions with His Excellency, the President, the leadership of both Houses of the Legislature, and officials of the MFDP, we were able to ensure strict compliance with the Financial Autonomy Act (2006) in the formulation of the 2025 Judiciary Budget,” Yuoh said.
In a significant move toward modernizing the judiciary, Yuoh announced plans to launch an Electronic Case Management System (ECMS) by February 2026, supported by the African Development Bank (AfDB). She described the system as a transformative step toward digitizing court processes and improving judicial efficiency.
As she prepares to leave office, Yuoh urged her successor to prioritize the judiciary’s independence and continue pushing for the implementation of the five-year strategic plan.
“It is my sincere hope that the vision of rebranding our judiciary lives on,” she said, reiterating her call for the construction of the new Supreme Court building and other judicial facilities.
Chief Justice Yuoh concluded her address by officially opening the Supreme Court’s March Term, calling on the judiciary to uphold the rule of law and maintain its integrity amid the ongoing challenges.
