In a letter dated September 23, 2025, obtained by this paper reveals that the National Association of Trial Judges of Liberia (NATJL), through its President, Judge Nancy Finda Sammy, has voiced serious concerns to Chief Justice Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay, Sr., over what it describes as the alarming trend of appointing unqualified individuals to key magisterial posts across Liberia.
The letter, addressed to His Honor Chief Justice Gbeisay and copied to relevant judicial stakeholders, expresses both appreciation and concern. While commending the Chief Justice for his recent pronouncement encouraging magistrates to pursue legal education for potential promotion to Circuit and Specialized Courts, NATJL took issue with recent appointments that appear to sideline the established professional training protocols of the Judiciary.
“We are thrilled with your pronouncement during your meeting with our members attending the Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law. It gives hope to those striving for academic excellence and judicial advancement,” the letter stated.
However, Judge Sammy went on to highlight a matter of “deep concern,” alleging that several individuals have been appointed as Associate Magistrates without having graduated from the Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law or the James A.A. Pierre Judicial Training Institute, the two main avenues of professional judicial preparation in Liberia.
The NATJL President emphasized that such appointments, if left unchecked, could undermine the very foundation of Liberia’s judicial integrity.
“This development raises a critical question: if appointments can bypass the legal recruitment and training process, then what becomes of the necessity and credibility of the Law School and the Judicial Institute?” the letter posed.
The NATJL fears this practice could erode meritocracy, discourage those currently undergoing rigorous training, and open the Judiciary to political manipulation, a threat to judicial independence and public trust.
Judge Sammy called on Chief Justice Gbeisay to raise the matter with President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., stating that the appointments of non-lawyers and non-graduates of the Professional Magistrates Training Program (PMTP) are inconsistent with the President’s demonstrated commitment to the rule of law.
Attached to the letter was a list of eight individuals alleged to have been appointed as Associate Magistrates without possessing the requisite legal or judicial training.
These include appointees in Nimba, Montserrado, Bomi, Grand Bassa, Gbarpolu, and Lofa Counties.
List of Questioned Appointments
Rufus Kekeh, Zuolay Magisterial Court, Nimba County
Wlleyon Y. Gbeisay, Paynesville Magisterial Court, Montserrado County
Joseph K. K. Fallah, Gbar Magisterial Court, Bomi County
Windell Miller, Edina Magisterial Court, Grand Bassa County
Aaron Morgan Tokpah, Bopolu City Magisterial Court, Bomi County
Jarty Barclay, Kongbor Magisterial Court, Gbarpolu CountyAquoi Kennedy, Kongbor Magisterial Court, Gbarpolu County
Harris M. Boakai, Voinjama City Magisterial Court, Lofa County
The NATJL warned that continued disregard for the mandated judicial training process could result in the erosion of public confidence and the perception that the Judiciary is being politicized.
In concluding the letter, Judge Sammy urged the Chief Justice to take swift action to ensure appointments are made strictly in accordance with Liberia’s judicial laws and standards.
The Supreme Court and Executive Mansion have yet to respond publicly to the concerns raised.
