MONROVIA – The Office of Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung has issued a clarification regarding reports in FrontPage Africa titled “LEADING with MALICE,” which suggested that the Vice President’s absence from the official retirement ceremony of former Chief Justice Sie-A-Nyene G. Yuoh on August 15, 2025, reflected disrespect.
In a press release issued Thursday, August 21, 2025, the Vice President’s office emphasized that VP Koung has consistently attended programs, ceremonies, and other official functions of the Supreme Court of Liberia during former Chief Justice Yuoh’s tenure as a sign of respect for the Judiciary and recognition of its critical role in governance. “His longstanding presence at these events underscores his unwavering commitment to the rule of law, the independence of the Judiciary, and the strengthening of democratic institutions in Liberia,” the release stated.
The Office clarified that the Vice President’s absence from the retirement ceremony was due solely to his official travel to Accra, Ghana, on August 13, 2025, where he represented the President at a state funeral held on the same day as the ceremony. The press release stressed that this circumstance was beyond his control and should not be interpreted as malice or a lack of respect for the former Chief Justice or the Judiciary.
The statement further highlighted the Vice President’s close relationship with former Chief Justice Yuoh, citing his recent attendance at the opening of a children’s park by the former Chief Justice’s daughter. VP Koung also addressed the Supreme Court directly, extending his “profound respect and appreciation” to former Chief Justice Yuoh for her years of dedicated service to Liberia. He reaffirmed his continued support for the Supreme Court and the Judiciary as a whole.
“The Vice President remains committed to the principles of justice, the independence of the courts, and the continued strengthening of Liberia’s democratic institutions,” the press release concluded.
