The newly appointed Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Yamie Qui-qui Gbeisay, has taken the mantle of authority as the nation’s highest jurist for the judiciary. Cllr. Gbeisay in a bold step during his induction ceremony as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, pledged to elevate the status of the Liberian Judiciary, stressing that it will no longer be treated as an “outside child” of the government.
Chief Justice Gbeisay outlined a vision rooted in results, integrity, and reform. “I intend to talk less and do more,” he stated, signaling a shift toward action-driven leadership. Among key initiatives announced was a sweeping reform of the Judiciary Monitoring and Evaluation Division (JM&ED).
The Chief Justice promised to conduct inspections across all courts, evaluate judicial performance and compile essential data on case management. Gbeisay said the new dispensation will be robust as judges will be graded based on performance, adding that the Judiciary must no longer be a neglected branch of the government.
He acknowledged the challenges faced by judges, particularly low salaries and poor working conditions. He wants support to be matched with responsibility, mentioning that many good judges continue to make sacrifices. “But the days of unchecked complacency are over.”
Also, the Chief Justice addressed the pressing issue of infrastructure, especially the lack of reliable electricity in rural courts. He announced plans to introduce solar energy solutions to bridge the gap and ensure consistent judicial operations nationwide. For his part, Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung, Sr., extended the government’s full support to the country’s judiciary, reaffirming its role as the custodian of the rule of law.
During the ceremony, Chief Justice Gberisay and Associate Justice Boakai N. Kanneh were inducted. Remarking on behalf of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, VP Koung described the occasion as “deep national significance,” emphasizing the importance of a strong and independent judiciary in Liberia’s democratic growth.
“The Supreme Court, as the final arbiter of justice, stands as the guardian of our Constitution. Today marks a moment that reflects our collective commitment to justice and democratic values,” VP Koung said. He expressed confidence in the new Chief Justice and Associate Justice’s ability to uphold the principles of fairness, integrity, and constitutional order.
The Vice President also recognized former Chief Justice Sie-A-Nyene G. Yuoh for her years of dedicated service to the country. “We honor her invaluable contributions to our nation and its justice system and wish her well in her retirement,” he said. The event, held at the Supreme Court in Monrovia, brought together members of the Judiciary, Legislature, Cabinet, Diplomatic Corps, legal community, and civil society.
