By Lincoln G. Peters
Carey Street, Monrovia, May 17, 2026: Following the submission of the draft bill to establish the War and Economic Crimes Court (WECC) and the National Anti-Corruption Court (NACC), Liberia’s Witness Protection Agency (WPA) has assured the public of its readiness to provide full protection, security, and institutional support for potential witnesses willing to testify against individuals accused of crimes from Liberia’s troubled past.
The WPA was established to ensure the safety, security, and welfare of witnesses, whistleblowers, and victims who testify in criminal and corruption cases, as well as individuals who disclose information about crimes. Operating as an autonomous agency under the Executive Branch, the WPA aims to strengthen the rule of law and foster public trust in the justice system.
During a public engagement event at the Center for the Promotion of Intellectual Development (CENPID) on Carey Street over the weekend, WPA representatives outlined the agency’s mandate and strategic framework in response to inquiries about their preparedness to provide protection, security, safety, and motivational incentives to those willing to testify during WECC trials.
Representing the Director of the WPA, Hon. Teklo Maxwell Grigsby II-Esq, Mr. Ephraim T. Nyumah, Manager of Programs and Policy, emphasized that the agency’s establishment not only enhances protection for witnesses and whistleblowers, but also fulfills Liberia’s obligations under international treaties and conventions to which the country is a signatory.
Mr. Nyumah, former Secretary General of the Federation of African Law Students (FALAS), noted that since the WPA’s formation four months ago, substantial progress has been made in preparing mechanisms for witness intake and admission, including the establishment of a safe house.
He explained that the safe house is designated for witnesses who feel insecure, providing accommodations from the time they agree to testify until the trial concludes, in accordance with witness intake regulations.
Nyumah, a prospective graduate of the Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law, added that Liberia’s judicial trial process typically lasts forty-two days, excluding pre-trial hearings, as courts convene four times a year. During this period, witnesses receive ten days of pre-trial hearings and forty-two days of trial hearings. Ensuring witness safety throughout these periods, he said, is crucial to delivering justice and restoring accountability.
“In cases of war crimes, trial cycles may extend beyond the usual timeframe—potentially lasting a year or two. In terms of protection, I can say for sure that the WPA has a step-by-step preparation process for witness and victim protection. While we may not be at 100% capacity yet, we are making substantial efforts to ensure that those who testify will receive the protection and security they need,” Nyumah assured.
Highlighting Liberia’s international obligations, he stated that in 2004, Liberia signed and ratified the Rome Statute establishing the International Criminal Court (ICC), as well as the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC).
He clarified, however, that under the ICC, the court does not automatically assume jurisdiction over international crimes—such as genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and crimes of aggression—in any given country. Rather, under the principle of complementarity, the ICC acts as a court of last resort, intervening only when national legal systems are unwilling or unable to investigate and prosecute such cases. “Failure to protect witnesses and victims signals a lack of willingness by the State to prosecute war crimes. However, the enactment of the Witness Protection law and establishment of the WPA demonstrate Liberia’s substantial preparedness to assume full jurisdiction over war crimes and related offenses,” he asserted.
Mr. Nyumah emphasized that guaranteeing the safety and protection of witnesses—especially those testifying against accused warlords or individuals implicated in economic crimes—is essential to successful prosecution. “If we cannot prove we can protect our witnesses, we risk losing jurisdiction over war crime prosecutions to the ICC, relegating our national courts to mere observers,” he warned.
He also referenced the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) report, which indicated that 35% of court cases are based on information provided by whistleblowers. “If we cannot protect whistleblowers—who are potential witnesses—what becomes of the LACC’s work? Convictions in criminal cases rely not on emotion, but on concrete evidence. Since corruption is an opportunistic crime, successful prosecution depends heavily on witness testimonies. This can only occur when there are realistic motivational incentives for whistleblowers and robust protection for witnesses, making them feel secure enough to testify,” Nyumah concluded.
