Monrovia – Liberia’s Chief Justice Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay has sent a strong warning to judges, magistrates, and judicial staff across the country, vowing to dismiss anyone found guilty of corruption or ethical misconduct within the Judiciary.
By: Victoria G. Wesseh
The Chief Justice issued the stern caveat on Wednesday during the dedication of three newly constructed Magisterial Courts in Montserrado County — Gardnersville, Brewerville, and Paynesville. The projects, jointly dedicated by Chief Justice Gbeisay and Associate Justice Yusuf D. Kabah, were valued at a combined US$558,000.
According to Court Administrator Cllr. William B. Kollie, Sr., the projects include the refurbishment of the Paynesville Magisterial Court (US$90,000) and the construction of the Gardnersville and Brewerville Courts (US$234,000 each).
Speaking at the ceremonies, Chief Justice Gbeisay declared a “new dispensation” under his leadership — one that prioritizes integrity, accountability, and the end of judicial commercialization.
“People are commercializing the Judiciary, making citizens lose trust in the courts. This must come to an end,” he warned. “I’ve been in office just two weeks and have already dismissed and suspended three persons. If you are caught in malpractice or unethical behavior, there will be no mercy. We will investigate every report — but there will be no compassion for corruption.”
To ensure strict compliance with judicial ethics, Chief Justice Gbeisay announced plans to establish a Judicial Monitoring, Evaluation, and Accountability Committee, which will monitor and investigate misconduct within the Judiciary.
He explained that while judges, magistrates, and lawyers already have ethical forums for disciplinary review, judicial staff currently lack an independent channel to report corruption or unprofessional behavior. The new committee, he said, will provide hotlines posted at every court to enable citizens and staff to report wrongdoing without needing to go directly to the Supreme Court.
“This will improve compliance, strengthen ethical standards, and promote transparency,” Gbeisay said.
The Chief Justice also commended his predecessor, Chief Justice Sie-A-Nyene Yuoh, for initiating the court modernization projects, and President Joseph Boakai for supporting the Judiciary under the Judicial Autonomy Act.
“We know that a good working environment contributes to efficiency,” he told magistrates. “These new courts are modern and functional — even better than some Justices’ offices built in the 1960s. But with these improvements come higher expectations. No more selling sheets or commercializing justice.”
In remarks, Court Administrator Cllr. Kollie described the dedication as a milestone in the Judiciary’s effort to modernize all Magisterial Courts nationwide.
“Four months ago, we were mandated to upgrade the Paynesville Court to meet new standards. We have completed that, along with the new Gardnersville and Brewerville Courts,” he said. “Today, the keys are ready to be handed over to the magistrates to begin operations.”
The new and refurbished courts, officials say, form part of the Judiciary’s broader reform agenda to strengthen access to justice and restore public confidence in Liberia’s judicial system.
Support Independent Journalism
Your support helps FrontPage Africa continue delivering independent, credible, and impactful journalism. Every contribution strengthens our ability to investigate, inform, and hold power accountable while keeping quality journalism accessible to our readers.
Support our journalism or subscribe to receive the latest FrontPage Africa stories and updates.
