Liberia’s newly commissioned Chief Justice, Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay, has ushered in a new era for the nation’s judiciary, pledging to assert the branch’s constitutional rights and to end its long-standing perception as the “stepchild” of government.
By Lincoln G. Peters
Temple of Justice, August 21, 2025: Speaking during the official seating ceremony on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at the Supreme Court Chamber, a gathering attended by top government officials, legal luminaries, and international partners, Chief Justice Gbeisay set an assertive tone for his administration.
Chief Justice Gbeisay, sworn in alongside Associate Justice Boakai N. Kanneh, emphasized that under his leadership, the judiciary would demand recognition as a co-equal branch of government. He highlighted the ongoing inadequacy of salaries and benefits for judges, acknowledging the sacrifices made by the nation’s judiciary over the years. He noted that while judges in Liberia are not the lowest paid in West Africa, their compensation remains insufficient given their responsibilities.
“In fact, we will demand our rights under the Constitution and ensure that the judiciary is no longer a stepchild of the other two branches of government. We are co-equal and must be seen as co-equal in all decisions, including financial administration,” Gbeisay declared. He affirmed that his administration would make robust and result-oriented representations to legislative and executive authorities to secure improved budgetary support for the judiciary.
Chief Justice Gbeisay publicly thanked President Joseph N. Boakai’s administration for initiating the implementation of the Financial Autonomy Act of the Judiciary, a legislative milestone aimed at strengthening the judiciary’s fiscal independence. By doing so, he signaled a new chapter in judicial-executive relations, one grounded in constitutional rights and mutual respect.
Associate Justice Boakai Kanneh, also officially seated, expressed deep gratitude to President Boakai for his nomination and commissioning. He pledged to work with his colleagues to uphold justice “without fear or favor,” echoing the solemn responsibility entrusted to the bench. Drawing inspiration from the Lord’s Prayer, Kanneh reflected on the gravity of the judiciary’s role: “We have been given a task of dispensing justice. So, the society depends on us based on the decision we make for stability, peace, and progress.”
The formal ceremony was attended by an array of dignitaries, including Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung, who represented the Executive branch; House Speaker Richard N. Koon; and Senate Judiciary Committee Chairs Augustine Chea and Joseph Jallah. Senior Associate Justice Jamesetta Howard Wolokolie presided over the proceedings, ordering the Marshal to open the court officially.
Following tradition, the Marshal, in the company of the Minister of Justice, the Dean of the Supreme Court Bar, and the President of the Liberian National Bar Association, escorted Chief Justice Gbeisay to his seat of honor.
Senior Associate Justice Wolokolie then relinquished her authority, passing the leadership to the new Chief Justice, who presided over the remainder of the ceremony and ordered the seating of Associate Justice Kanneh. -Edited by Othello B. Garblah.
