Chief Justice Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay, Sr., on Thursday, August 28, 202, submitted himself for credentials verification, marking the official launch of a nationwide personnel and records audit of the Liberian judiciary.
Standing before a packed audience of judicial staff, civil servants, and members of the press at the Judiciary Complex in Monrovia, the Chief Justice presented his own credentials to the Civil Service Agency (CSA) verification team, becoming the first official to undergo the process.
Justice Gbeisay approached the verification desk, where CSA officers meticulously scanned his academic documents, employment history, and identification materials.
The moment, though procedural, carried immense symbolic weight and was met with applause and commendation from attendees.
“The Judiciary is a sanctified institution,” Gbeisay declared during his remarks. “If we are to fight corruption and deliver justice effectively, we must ensure that every staff member is qualified and that their credentials align with their assignments.”
The verification is part of a broader reform package aimed at rooting out unqualified staff and eliminating “ghost names” from the judiciary’s payroll, while bolstering professionalism across Liberia’s court system.
Civil Service Agency Partners in Reform
Joining the launch was CSA Director General Josiah F. Joekai, who praised Chief Justice Gbeisay for his leadership and commitment to reform.
“Your Honor, the CSA is extremely grateful to be part of your ongoing reform process,” Joekai said. “This initiative aligns squarely with President Joseph Boakai’s ARREST Agenda, particularly the pillars of Accountability and Rule of Law.”
Joekai confirmed that the CSA had mobilized internal resources to carry out the verification, even in the absence of direct government funding. “We are committed to doing this with independence and professionalism,” he added.
The personnel audit is currently focused on Montserrado County, covering court workers in Monrovia, Paynesville, Gardnerville, and beyond. CSA teams are conducting in-person reviews, collecting staff documentation, and confirming employment statuses.
CSA has previously led similar audits at institutions like the Monrovia City Corporation, where they identified and removed numerous ghost employees.
“When we find discrepancies, like ghost names, we don’t delay,” Joekai warned. “We block them from payroll. If they’re later verified as legitimate staff, we restore them. But action is the default.”
Public Trust at the Center
Chief Justice Gbeisay’s decision to subject himself first to the verification process is being widely interpreted as a sign of a changing tide within the judiciary, one where transparency and accountability begin at the top.
He closed the launch event with a firm but hopeful message to judicial staff:
“Let us embrace this audit as a path to excellence and credibility,” he said. “It’s not about punishment; it’s about performance, and pride in service.”
The verification process is expected to continue across Montserrado over the next several weeks, before expanding to other counties.
As Liberia navigates this new chapter of institutional reform, many are watching the judiciary with renewed hope that its top brass is ready to walk the talk.
