By Julius Konton
President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, has urged the judiciary to lead with integrity, impartiality, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Boakai’s delivered the address at ceremony that marked the October Term of the Supreme Court.
From the Temple of Justice in Monrovia, the President spoke of the vital role of the courts in safeguarding democracy and national development.
The occasion also served as a ceremonial welcome to His Honor Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay, as the new Chief Justice and His Honor Boakai N. Kanneh, as Associate Justice of the High Court.
Pres. Boakai hailed the pair appointments as a moment of “transition and hope,” highlighting their potential to drive long-overdue reforms in Liberia’s judicial system.
“We commend Chief Justice Gbeisay, who has expressed determination to pursue long-needed reforms that will strengthen the rule of law, and restore the confidence of our citizens,” Boakai stated.
On the country judiciary’s critical position among the three co-equal branches of government, Pres. Boakai reminded the audience that true democracy depends on a fair, independent and effective justice system.
“It is here that every Liberian, rich or poor, educated or uneducated, must find protection and justice,” he said, underscoring the need for impartiality and transparency in court proceedings.
Boakai acknowledged widespread concerns over delayed trials, limited access to justice, and perceptions of judicial bias.
He supported calls for reform and pledged his administration’s full cooperation with the rule of law and the justice system.
“These concerns are legitimate, and they demand urgent, courageous, and genuine reform,” the President declared.
He further expressed confidence in Gbeisay’s vision to decentralize justice delivery, modernize court processes and elevate judicial integrity.
While tying the judiciary performance to country’s broader development goals under the ARREST Agenda, Pres. Boakai said justice is not just a legal principle, but a foundation for economic growth and social peace.
“Investors will come only when the processes are predictable, the law is clear and respected,” he noted, reinforcing the importance of the rule of law in attracting economic opportunity.
The President told judges, magistrates, lawyers, and the citizens to uphold justice not only in courts, “but in our daily lives.”
“The robe you wear is not a symbol of privilege, but of service,” he told members of the judiciary, calling on them to act with “dignity, humility, and courage.”
Boakai also reminded Liberians of a deeper cultural obligation to fairness and compassion, quoting an African proverb: “The ruin of a nation begins in the homes of its people.”
As the new judicial term begins, Pres. Boakai expressed hope that this moment would mark a turning point in pursuit of an “impartial and accessible justice system.”
“Let us therefore walk together, the Executive, the Legislature, and the Judiciary in pursuit of a justice system that is impartial, accessible, and worthy of the trust of our people.”
The ceremony, meanwhile, ended on a patriotic Maxim: “Think Liberia, Love Liberia and Build Liberia.”