Monrovia – Outgoing President George M. Weah has nominated Cllr. Frank Musa Dean, Jr., the current Minister of Justice and Attorney General, as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of Liberia. President Weah conveyed this nomination in a letter addressed to Minister Dean, expressing his confidence in the Minister’s ability to contribute meaningfully to the promotion of peace, reconciliation, and the overall development of the country. His nomination comes in the wake of the early retirement sought by Associate Justice Joseph Nagbe.
The nomination, as per the Liberian Constitution, requires confirmation by the Liberian Senate. President Weah has formally notified the Senate of Cllr. Frank Musa Dean’s nomination and requested the submission of 35 copies of the nominee’s resume for review.
Cllr. Frank Musa Dean has been at the helm of the Ministry of Justice and Attorney General’s office, overseeing crucial legal matters and providing legal advice to the government. The Minister also played a pivotal role in coordinating national security operations through various security apparatuses, including the Liberia National Police, Liberia Immigration Service, Liberia National Fire Service, Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency, Bureau of Corrections and Rehabilitation, National Security Agency, and the national intelligence gathering and management.
Under Minister Dean’s leadership, the Ministry of Justice achieved significant milestones in policy strategy, legislation formulation, and institutional capacity building. Key achievements include the finalization of a Strategic Plan, amendments to the Criminal Procedure Law, and the validation of the National Human Rights Action Plan. The Ministry has also actively engaged with development partners to support the construction of specialized Criminal Courts focused on handling sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) cases.
In the realm of institutional reforms and functions, Minister Dean collaborated with the Chief Justice to secure support from development partners for the construction and equipping of Criminal Court “E” in Nimba and Bong Counties. Additionally, he established the National Business and Human Rights Steering Committee, reactivated the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Unit, and set up the Mol Gender Unit.
The Minister’s report highlights improvements in institutional capacity, with numerous staff members receiving training on various legal and administrative skills. The Ministry has also contributed effectively to the implementation of the Pro-poor Agenda for Prosperity and Development (PAPD), particularly in the areas of SGBV prosecution and the rollout of diversion programs in eight counties.
Cllr. Frank Musa Dean’s nomination is expected to undergo a thorough review by the Liberian Senate, where his qualifications, achievements, and contributions to the justice sector will be carefully considered before a confirmation decision is reached. If confirmed, Cllr. Dean will bring his wealth of experience and commitment to justice to the highest court in Liberia.