By Edwin N. Khakie
GBARNGA, Bong County, August 11, 2026 – Bong County’s justice system is facing mounting pressure as the Gbarnga Central Prison holds more than three times its intended capacity, while a Ninth Judicial Circuit Court judge has threatened sanctions against lawyers who repeatedly stay away from court proceedings.
The concerns emerged Monday during the opening of the August 2026 Term of Court in Gbarnga, where 10 new attorneys were also admitted to the Bong County Bar in what local Bar officials described as a significant boost to legal services in the county.
Bong County Attorney Cllr. Jonathan N. Flomo disclosed that the Gbarnga Central Prison, constructed to accommodate approximately 130 inmates, is currently holding about 440.
The figure means the facility is accommodating more than three times the number of inmates it was designed to hold.
Flomo linked the severe overcrowding partly to delays in court proceedings, saying some pretrial detainees remain behind bars for extended periods while awaiting resolution of their cases.
He called for urgent measures to speed up court proceedings and ensure that cases are disposed of within a reasonable period.
According to the county attorney, reducing delays in the justice system would help ease pressure on the prison, protect the rights of detainees and improve the administration of justice in Bong County.
Judge Warns Absent Lawyers
Meanwhile, Presiding Judge Joe S. Barkon has raised concerns over the absence of some lawyers from Monday’s formal opening of court.
Judge Barkon instructed the clerk of court to compile a list of lawyers and counselors who failed to attend the opening without notifying the court or providing valid reasons for their absence.
He warned that lawyers who repeatedly disregard court proceedings could face sanctions, including summonses from the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court.
According to Barkon, penalties against lawyers who failed to attend the court opening without justification could start at US$25.
He described unexplained absenteeism as unacceptable and inconsistent with the professional responsibilities of members of the legal profession.
The judge further warned that deliberate disregard for court directives could result in contempt proceedings.
10 New Lawyers Join Bong Bar
The warnings came as 10 attorneys-at-law were admitted to the Bong County Bar during Monday’s ceremony, following a mandate from Chief Justice Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay.
Bong County Bar Association President Cllr. Johnston G. McGill described the admission as a major development for the county, saying it represents the largest number of lawyers admitted to the local Bar at one time.
The new attorneys, all graduates of the Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law at the University of Liberia, are Josephine Y. Zogbaye, Lawrence Peabody, Marcus Richard, Matthew Opah Sulan, Washington T. George, Ken Esau Saah, Able J. Kerkulah, Arthur Bestman, Foday Couch Bayoh and Aaron B. Sengbeh.
Zogbaye is a former journalist with Radio Gbarnga.
McGill urged the newly admitted lawyers to uphold the integrity of the legal profession and maintain high ethical and professional standards.
Judge Barkon similarly challenged them to conduct themselves professionally and make meaningful contributions to the administration of justice.
Speaking on behalf of the inductees, Zogbaye thanked the Judiciary and the Bar Association and pledged that the new lawyers would use their legal training to contribute positively to Liberia’s justice system.
The opening of the new court term has consequently placed renewed attention on some of the challenges confronting Bong County’s justice system, particularly case delays, prison overcrowding and adherence to professional responsibilities, even as the addition of 10 lawyers expands the county’s pool of legal practitioners.
