The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Liberia, His Honor Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay, Sr., has issued a directive mandating all clerks and assistant clerks of courts across Montserrado County to obtain indemnity insurance bonds valued at up to US$50,000.00 as a condition of continued service.
The decision was announced during a meeting held on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at the Temple of Justice’s Resource Center, attended by clerks and assistant clerks from the Circuit, Specialized, and Magisterial Courts within the First Judicial Circuit.
According to a memorandum from Cllr. William B. Kollie, Sr., Court Administrator of the Supreme Court, the meeting was convened at the directive of Chief Justice Gbeisay to address concerns relating to financial accountability, ethical conduct, and administrative discipline within the judiciary.
During the session, the Chief Justice reportedly expressed dissatisfaction over repeated reports of clerks and sheriffs mismanaging or withholding court funds, as well as instances where clerks allegedly charged lawyers and litigants unauthorized fees for filing court documents.
As a corrective measure, the Chief Justice ordered that all clerks and assistant clerks of Circuit and Specialized Courts obtain an indemnity bond of US$50,000, while those of Magisterial Courts are required to secure US$25,000 bonds from any recognized insurance company operating in Liberia.
The clerks have been given a 60-day deadline to comply by filing proof of their indemnity bonds with the Office of the Court Administrator.
The directive is aimed at strengthening accountability mechanisms within the judiciary and safeguarding public trust in court operations.
Chief Justice Gbeisay emphasized that the measure was not punitive but rather protective of the judiciary’s integrity, stating that every court official entrusted with financial responsibilities must be covered by insurance to ensure restitution in cases of misconduct or embezzlement.
However, the announcement has sparked significant concern and anxiety among clerical staff, many of whom argue that the requirement is financially unrealistic given their modest earnings and lack of personal assets to guarantee such bonds.
A typical court clerk in Liberia reportedly earns US$323.00 plus L$23,647.45 monthly, with no housing, transportation, or other allowances.
In contrast, judges are said to receive over US$5,000.00 monthly in salaries, in addition to substantial benefits including fuel, scratch cards, entertainment allowances, and new vehicles every three years.
“Even if we save our entire yearly salary, it would not amount to ten percent of the required bond,” one clerk lamented under anonymity, adding that many clerks have not been in their positions for more than two years and therefore have no property or collateral to secure insurance coverage.
Several clerks have also expressed frustration that despite performing the bulk of court administrative work—such as preparing quarterly returns, filing documents, and managing case records—they remain among the lowest-paid judicial employees.
Many clerical staffs have described the Chief Justice’s directive as both ambitious and controversial, noting that while the intention to promote accountability is commendable, the economic realities of the judiciary’s lower staff must be taken into consideration.
They are urging the Supreme Court to work with the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning to design a group bonding scheme or phased compliance plan that would not overburden clerks, while still achieving the desired level of transparency.
As the 60-day deadline approaches, it remains uncertain how the clerical staff will meet the financial requirement.
The issue has now opened a broader conversation about judicial reform, staff welfare, and the balance between integrity enforcement and economic fairness within Liberia’s justice system.
