WASHINGTON, October 14, 2025: President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr. has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to judicial reforms and national renewal, emphasizing that reforms are essential to rebuilding trust in the Judiciary and ensuring that justice is accessible, impartial, and free from influence.
The President spoke on Monday, October 13, 2025, at the opening of the October term of the Supreme Court at the Temple of Justice in Monrovia.
He extended heartfelt congratulations to Chief Justice Gbeisay, commending his determination to pursue long-overdue reforms aimed at strengthening the rule of law.
President Boakai’s speech underscored the Judiciary’s vital role in safeguarding democracy. He reminded the nation that Liberia’s governance is built upon three coordinate branches — the Legislature, the Executive, and the Judiciary — each with a distinct mandate but united in their duty to serve the people with fairness and respect for the law.
“The Judiciary stands as the ultimate guardian of liberty and fairness,” Boakai declared. “It is here that every Liberian, rich or poor, educated or uneducated, must find protection and justice.”
He reiterated that when justice is blind to status and remains unbiased in its rulings, public trust in institutions grows and democracy flourishes.
To drive his point home, President Boakai invoked an African proverb: “The ruin of a nation begins in the homes of its people.” This, he said, is a reminder that justice, integrity, and order must begin at the heart of our institutions.
“If our courts are strong, our nation will flourish,” he stated. “If they are weak, the foundation of our democracy will not endure.”
Acknowledging public concerns about the slow pace of trials, lack of transparency, and perceived influence in judicial proceedings, President Boakai called for urgent and courageous reform. He expressed confidence in Chief Justice Gbeisay’s vision to modernize court administration, improve case management, and decentralize justice delivery.
“No Liberian should have to travel long distances to seek fairness,” Boakai said, pledging his administration’s support for improving the working conditions of judges and magistrates.
He also called for stronger collaboration between the Judiciary, the Ministry of Justice, and the Liberia National Bar Association to build a more efficient and trusted justice system.
Linking judicial reform to national development, President Boakai highlighted the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, where Pillar 3 focuses on the Rule of Law. He stressed that justice and development are inseparable — a nation cannot progress where laws are ignored or the weak have no recourse.
“Investors will come only where processes are predictable, the law is clear and respected,” he said. “Citizens will obey laws that are fair and consistently enforced.”
He called on lawyers and officers of the court to uphold ethics and professionalism, reminding them that they are the lifeblood of justice. And to the citizens, he offered a powerful reminder: “Justice begins with how we treat each other.”
As Liberia enters a new court term, President Boakai called for reflection, renewal, and recommitment. The appointments of Chief Justice Gbeisay and Associate Justice Kanneh, he said, symbolize the Judiciary’s capacity for reform and the nation’s potential for progress.
“Let us 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,” he concluded.
With this renewed focus on justice, Liberia takes a bold step toward building a republic that is not only democratic but deeply rooted in fairness, integrity, and the rule of law.
Al-Jerome Anastas Chede, Sr.
Minister Counselor
Press and Public Affairs
Embassy of Liberia
Washington DC
USA
Press@liberianembassyus.org
202-723-0437
612-239-8051 Cell
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