Boakai, Karnga-Lawrence, Koon Boycott Yuoh’s Exit Ceremony
By: Yassah J Wright
President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Senate President Pro-Tempore Nyonblee Karnga- Lawrence and House Speaker Richard Koon boycotted the official retirement ceremony of former Chief Justice Sie-A-Nyene G. Yuoh on Friday, August 15, 2025.
Interestingly, President Boakai was mentioned in the official program held in the Supreme Court Chamber to deliver a special remark on behalf of the Executive and government though he was not present; neither a proxy from the Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs, despite being served an official invitation.
Also, Justice Minister, Cllr. N Oswald Tweah was missing at the ceremony when called to deliver tribute, but Solicitor General, Cllr. Augustine Fayiah proxied, after noticing that there was no representation from the Ministry.
Similarly, Senate President Pro-Temp, Nyonblee Kanrga- Lawrence, and House Speaker Richard N. Koon, were also absent at the prestigious retirement ceremony, something which drew the attention of many, terming the action by the Executive and the Legislative Branches as a complete payback of the recent past State of the Nation boycotted by the Supreme Court Bench.
On Monday, January 27, 2025, not a single member of the Judiciary was present at the President’s Joseph N. Boakai’s State of the Nation Address, especially Associate Justices of the Supreme Court, without any information regarding their absence. Senior Associate Justices, Jamesetta H. Wolokolie, Yussif D. Kaba, Yamie Q. Gbeisay, Sr. and Associate Justice Ceaineh D. Clinton Johnson were all absent during the program.
The conspicuous absence of Chief Justice Sie-A-Nyene G. Yuoh and Associate Justices at President Boakai’s second State of the Nation Address generated more debate concerning coordination and cooperation among all three branches of the Liberia Government.
Despite the Judiciary attributing the absence of the Chief Justice to International Symposium in Cario, Egypt, the absence of the four Associate Justices raised serious eyebrows in the public. Days later, the Judiciary linked their absence to the speakership tussle that was between former Speaker Cllr. Jonathan Fonati Koffa and Richard N. Koon of the UP.
Prominent Liberians attending the former Chief Justice retirement’s ceremony expressed disappointment due to the Executive failure to show up at the occasion, coupled with the deliberate refusal to send a proxy.
However, most disappointingly, minutes following the conclusion of the retirement ceremony and the adjournment of the March A. D 2025 Term of the Supreme Court, incoming Chief Justice Yamie QuiQui Gbeisay, Sr. and Associate Justice confirmed, Cllr. Boakai Kanneh, quietly and horridly bored their vehicles and moved into the Executive Mansion compound, where they and several other officials confirmed were officially commissioned by President Boakai.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, family members, among others.
The officials commissioned by the President were His Honor Yamie Gbeisay, Chief Justice, His Honor Boakai N. Kanneh – Associate Justice, Her Honor Victoria W. Duncan – Resident Judge, Margibi County.
Furthermore, President Boakai also commissioned John Ballout, Ambassador to Nigeria, Amb. George S.W. Patten – Ambassador to South Africa, Mohammed M. Dukuly – Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates,
Henry B. Fahnbulleh, Ambassador to Egypt, Clarence K. Massaquoi – Commissioner & Chairman, LTA, Ben A. Fofana – Commissioner, LTA, Emmanuel J. Payegar – Commissioner, LTA, Patrick R. Honnah – Commissioner, LTA, Angela Cassell Bush – Commissioner, LTA.
Meanwhile, giving a special remark at the commissioning ceremony, President Boakai, Sr., challenged the newly commissioned officials of government to serve with integrity, accountability and results; warning that public service is a trust and not an entitlement.
President Boakai however repeated his signature call: “Let us together Think Liberia, Love Liberia, and Build Liberia.”
Speaking Friday in the Parlors of the Executive Mansion at a ceremony commissioning the Chief Justice, Associate Justice, Ambassadors, and Commissioners of the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA), President Boakai declared that the era of “business as usual” is over and that his Administration will measure officials by their performance and commitment to the Liberian people.
“This is your moment to rise. Your country is calling. Deliver with courage, integrity, and humility,” the President said. He added, “We will be tracking your progress and holding you accountable. Transparency and asset declaration are not optional—they are legal requirements and moral obligations.”
Addressing the Judiciary, President Boakai said the need for reform is “urgent and non-negotiable,” stressing that transparent, speedy, and fair justice is the foundation of a thriving democracy. He called on all members of the Judiciary and Legislature to declare their assets and uphold the highest ethical standards to restore public trust.
To the newly appointed Ambassadors, the President underscored their role as Liberia’s face abroad, particularly as the country begins its historic two-year term on the United Nations Security Council. “You are called ‘Excellency’ for a reason. Represent us with dignity, but also with action—attract investment, boost tourism, build partnerships, and make Liberia’s voice heard,” he said.
The President charged the LTA leadership to ensure Liberia seizes the opportunities of the digital age. “Your work must drive innovation, economic growth, and opportunities for our young people to thrive in a knowledge-based economy,” he stated, adding that technology must benefit every corner of the country.
President Boakai highlighted his Administration’s zero tolerance for corruption, warning that any misuse of public resources will be met with full legal consequences. “Those found in breach of our anti-graft laws will be held fully accountable,” he warned.