Monrovia Liberia’s Minister Finance and Development Planning, Mr. Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan has challenged a new batch of Liberian magistrates to resist corruption, political interference and financial inducements, declaring that integrity, not legal brilliance alone, will determine the future of the country’s justice system.
By Emmanuel Weedee-Conway
Delivering the keynote address at the graduation ceremony of Cycle 5 of the Professional Magistrate Training Program (PMTP) at the Temple of Justice in Monrovia on Friday, July 17, Minister Ngafuan schooled graduates on the importance of the profession they are entering – a public service at a time when the credibility of the Judiciary remains central to Liberia’s democratic governance and economic development.
He cautioned that the graduates would soon face enormous pressure from politicians, business people, relatives and influential members of society seeking to manipulate the judicial process, urging them never to compromise the trust placed in them by the Liberian people.
“You will be heavily tempted. You will be offered financial inducements to look away, and you will face immense pressure from individuals who appear more powerful than you. Remember that the magisterial authority you wield is not your personal property; it is a sacred trust belonging to the Liberian people,” cautioned the MFDP boss.
The Finance Minister stressed that technical competence without integrity could become dangerous to society, reminding the graduates that judicial authority must always be exercised with honesty and fairness.
“A sharp lawyer or judge with integrity is a blessing to the society. A sharp lawyer or judge with no integrity is a menace to the society,” he further advised the magistrates not to punish the poor because they lack influence or excuse the powerful because of their status, emphasizing that justice must remain impartial.
Min. Ngafuan also encouraged the graduates to embrace humility and discipline throughout their careers, saying judicial leadership begins with personal accountability and obedience to the law.
“True leadership begins with absolute self-discipline. A magistrate who obeys the rules, who respects the chain of command, and who holds himself or herself to the highest ethical baseline first is the only one who earns the moral authority to demand compliance from the public.”
He reminded the graduates that their decisions would directly affect the lives of ordinary Liberians, particularly vulnerable citizens seeking justice.
“Your bench is not a throne of personal power; it is an altar of humble service. The vulnerable woman reporting an offense, the youth caught in the web of minor infractions, and the rural community terrified of lawlessness—these are the very reason your office exists.”
Reaffirmation Of Government’s Commitment
The Finance Minister reaffirmed the President Joseph Nyuma Boakai administration’s commitment to strengthening the Judiciary through increased financial support and institutional reforms.
In this light, he disclosed that the Judiciary’s budget has grown from US$18.5 million in 2023 to US$33.3 million in 2026 an 80 percent increase to support infrastructure, technology, judicial independence and improved service delivery across Liberia.
Min. Ngafuan described the Professional Magistrate Training Program as a vital investment in the country’s justice system, noting that the current cycle trained 64 magistrates from all 15 counties.
The Minister pointed out that, unlike previous cycles that relied heavily on donor funding, more than 90 percent of Cycle 5 was financed by the Government of Liberia, describing the development as evidence of growing national ownership of judicial reforms.
Honest And Courage
The Minister then called on the graduates to carry the authority of the Republic with honor and courage, saying Liberia does not expect perfection from its judicial officers but demands honesty, discipline and unwavering commitment to the Constitution.
“This country does not expect you to be infallible. It demands that you be honest, disciplined, and courageous. Do that, and Liberia will be more stable, our economy will be more secure, and this Republic will be eternally proud of you.”
