By Lincoln Peters
The government of Liberia, represented by Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung, has formally recognized and extended deep appreciation to retired Chief Justice Sie-Neh G. Yuoh for her extraordinary service and invaluable contributions to the nation’s justice system.
This tribute came during the official ceremony marking the seating of the newly commissioned Chief Justice, Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay, Sr., and Associate Justice Boakai Kanneh at the Supreme Court of Liberia.
The ceremony occurred on the morning of August 20, 2025, with a distinguished assembly of government officials, including Vice President Koung as the representative of the Executive, House Speaker Richard N. Koon, and Senate Judiciary Committee leaders Senators Augustine Chea and Joseph Jallah. Also present were leading members of the legal community, international development partners, and various dignitaries.
Senior Associate Justice Jamesetta Howard Wolokolie presided over the opening, instructing the Court Marshal to announce the session formally. Soon after, the Marshal, joined by the Minister of Justice, Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh, and the President of the Liberian National Bar Association, Cllr. Bornor M. Varmah, escorted Chief Justice Gbeisay to his seat of honor on the Supreme Court Bench, symbolizing the official transition of judicial authority.
Vice President Koung, speaking on behalf of President Joseph N. Boakai, praised former Chief Justice Yuoh for her unwavering dedication and service:
“Let me begin by extending my profound gratitude to Her Honor, Former Chief Justice Sie-A-Nyene G. Yuoh, for her dedicated service to our nation and its justice system. We honor her invaluable contributions and wish her well in her retirement.”
This gesture of appreciation was a central moment of the event, highlighting Yuoh’s lasting impact on the Supreme Court and the broader legal framework of Liberia.
The Vice President further emphasized the Supreme Court’s status as the guardian of the constitution and the rule of law, reminding the newly seated justices that their work is foundational to Liberia’s peace, stability, and progress. He underlined the truth that where justice thrives, trust in public institutions is strengthened, but where it fails, the fabric of society is jeopardized.
Cllr. Bornor M. Varmah, President of the Liberian National Bar Association, voiced excitement and hope for the new judicial leadership but urged them to address the country’s ongoing legal challenges: Improving access to justice for all citizens; Reducing delays in adjudication, especially for the poor; Upholding the highest standards of fairness and efficiency and Continuing reforms to combat corruption and meet international standards.
Cllr. Varmah called upon the bench to serve with wisdom, humility, and unwavering devotion to the constitution.
Justice Minister Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh echoed these sentiments, congratulating the new justices and urging them to uphold the legacy of the rule of law.
Commenting, newly seated Chief Justice Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay, acknowledging the ceremonial requirements of Judicial Canon #2, noted the importance of the official seating as the final step before participating fully in the court’s deliberations.
He concluded: “Life is a stage or theater. When you are allowed to appear on it, you must meet the challenges and perform to the best of your ability. We have come ready and prepared to perform.” -Edited by Othello B. Garblah.
