Monrovia – Chief Justice Sie-A-Nyene G. Yuoh delivered an emotional farewell address on Monday, March 10, 2025, during the opening of the Supreme Court’s March Term, marking her final term before retirement in June.
Appointed in 2022, Yuoh succeeded Cllr. Francis Korkpor following his decade-long tenure. Reflecting on her time in office, she expressed gratitude to her colleagues and highlighted the judiciary’s progress under her leadership.
Chief Justice Yuoh emphasized the implementation of the judiciary’s five-year strategic plan, which aims to modernize the judicial system by improving infrastructure, enhancing judicial independence, and developing human resources. A key component of the plan includes the construction of seven judicial complexes across Liberia to ease overcrowding at the Temple of Justice, which has remained largely unchanged since the 1960s.
Additionally, the plan outlines the construction of 20 modern magisterial courts, starting in Brewerville and Gardnersville, Montserrado County, with work expected to commence in the coming weeks. She also noted the completion of the judicial complex in Rivercess County and ongoing work in Maryland County, which is anticipated to finish by the end of the year.
Yuoh revealed that, with the support of the African Development Bank (AfDB), the judiciary plans to launch an Electronic Case Management System (ECMS) by February 2026, a move aimed at digitizing court processes and improving efficiency.
However, she voiced concern over the Executive Branch’s lack of support, particularly regarding the construction of a new Supreme Court building. While discussions were held with the Chinese Ambassador to secure funding, Yuoh lamented that the necessary technical documents had not been transmitted by relevant ministries.
Addressing the issue of judicial financial autonomy, Yuoh stressed the need to uphold the Financial Autonomy Act of 2006, which guarantees the judiciary’s independent budget. She reported progress in ensuring compliance with the law during the formulation of the 2025 judiciary budget.
“I am pleased to report that through discussions with His Excellency, the President, the leadership of both Houses of the Legislature, and officials of the MFDP, we were able to ensure strict compliance with the Financial Autonomy Act (2006) in the formulation of the 2025 Judiciary Budget,” she said.
As she prepares to step down, Chief Justice Yuoh expressed hope that her successor would continue the reforms initiated under her leadership, particularly the construction of judicial complexes and the digitization of court processes.
“It is my sincere hope that the vision of rebranding our judiciary lives on,” she remarked, urging continued efforts to modernize the judicial system.
With her farewell address, Yuoh officially declared the March Term of the Supreme Court open, calling on the judiciary to maintain its integrity and uphold the rule of law.
