The Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL) has welcomed the reform agenda of the new Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Liberia, His Honor Yamie Gbeisay, describing it as a significant step toward restoring public confidence in the country’s judiciary.
Speaking at his induction on August 20, 2025, Chief Justice Gbeisay pledged to build on the rebranding program of his predecessor while introducing what he termed “credential audits” across the Judiciary to ensure that all staff meet the required professional and academic standards.
In his own words, Justice Gbeisay declared: “Chief Justice Gbeisay will be a man of few words. I intend to talk less but do more. We will cautiously continue with the Rebranding Program of our predecessor and will, however, make appropriate changes where we think necessary.
We will conduct what I call ‘credential audits’ to ensure that all staff of the Judiciary have the required academic qualification and experience to effectively perform their assigned duties. I assure you that during my tenure, there will be zero tolerance for corruption and ethical malpractice by judicial actors, whether a judge, a lawyer, or support staff. Whether the constant talk of corruption in the Judiciary is real or perceived, we will put systems in place and take necessary actions as preventative measures.”
CENTAL lauded these commitments, emphasizing that they could not have come at a better time. The institution noted that for years, the Judiciary has been at the center of multiple allegations of corruption involving judges, lawyers, clerks, and other officials. According to CENTAL, such actions have undermined the integrity of the courts and eroded citizens’ confidence in the justice system.
“Chief Justice Gbeisay’s pledge to institute credential audits and enforce zero tolerance for corruption is a refreshing and bold step in the right direction,” CENTAL said. “For too long, the Judiciary has been haunted by allegations of bribery, unethical conduct, and malpractice.
Announcing these reforms at the start of his tenure shows seriousness and commitment to addressing deep-rooted problems within the system.”
The organization further stressed that reforms must move from promises to actions. CENTAL urged that the proposed audits be commenced and completed within a reasonable period and that findings be publicly disclosed and implemented. Doing so, the group said, would enhance transparency and accountability within the Judiciary and help rebuild trust between the courts and the public.
CENTAL also underscored the importance of citizen involvement and continuous monitoring by civil society, noting that public engagement is vital for sustaining judicial integrity. “Reforms in the Judiciary will only succeed if they are participatory, transparent, and followed through with accountability,” the organization cautioned.
In conclusion, CENTAL reaffirmed its support to the Chief Justice’s reform drive, calling on development partners, government institutions, and civil society organizations to rally behind the initiative. The organization described the move as a “critical boost for Liberia’s anti-corruption and governance agenda” and urged the Judiciary’s leadership to act swiftly and decisively.
“Liberians deserve a Judiciary that dispenses justice fairly and without fear or favor,” CENTAL concluded. “If fully implemented, Chief Justice Gbeisay’s reforms will go a long way in repairing public trust and strengthening the foundation of rule of law in Liberia.”
