The atmosphere was one of celebration and excitement as hundreds of River Cess County citizens gathered to witness the Government of Liberia dedicate the $1.6 million Judicial Complex. For many, the significance of this event extended beyond the modern design of the building—it was deeply rooted in the rich traditional history of the land on which the complex was built.
This site, once used by traditional authorities for decades as a “Zoe Bush,” was shrouded in myth and seen as an obstacle to the county’s development. The area was known for ritual and African traditional religious activities, which many believed kept the county underdeveloped.
In 2006, after months of negotiation, then-Superintendent Francis Paye and the traditional authorities agreed to clear the Zoe Bush and reserve the land for future development. This vision came to fruition on Monday, August 12, 2024, when President Joseph Boakai officially cut the ribbon to inaugurate the modern complex, now considered a landmark development.
During the ceremony, Chief Justice Sie-A-Nyene Yuoh urged judges and magistrates to uphold a culture of justice and accountability, ensuring that the law serves all people equally and fairly. “Let us ensure that this court remains a place where truth is upheld and justice is delivered with unwavering integrity,” she said.
Chief Justice Yuoh described the new facility as a significant advancement towards judicial independence, saying, “This complex will enable judges, staff, and other stakeholders to work in an environment that enhances their performance and coordination. It promotes judicial independence and ensures that justice is dispensed fairly and transparently.”
She also reiterated her support for the judiciary and called for a fair distribution of the National Budget. She criticized the executive branch for its insensitivity to the judiciary’s needs, as the Judiciary is not a subset of government, but a co-equal branch.
In a special statement, President Joseph Boakai praised the Judiciary for its ongoing reforms and the transformation it has undergone under the leaderships of both current and former Chief Justices of the Supreme Court. “The dedication of this complex underscores our commitment to enhancing the quality of justice and improving the overall legal framework in Liberia,” President Boakai said.
He thanked the Chief Justice, Associate Justices, and all branches of government for their collaborative efforts in completing the project, while acknowledging the citizens of River Cess County for their generosity in providing the land for the new facility, which was once a treasured traditional spot.
River Cess County Superintendent Byron W. Zahnwhea expressed the county’s appreciation to the Judiciary and pledged his administration’s full cooperation in protecting the facility. He then called on the Ministry of Justice to address the absence of law enforcement officers in remote parts of the county.
The Judicial Complex houses the 14th Judicial Circuit Court along with several other specialized courts, including the Debt Court, Traffic Court, Tax Court, Revenue Court and the Cestos City Magisterial Court. It also features offices for the County Attorney, Public Defender, and City Solicitors, as well as a courtroom.
