Monrovia, Liberia – The 2025 Annual General Assembly of the Liberian National Bar Association (LNBA) was officially opened on Thursday, with a powerful address by National President, Cllr. Bonor Varmah, at the Temple of Justice. Speaking to a gathering of legal professionals, partners, and stakeholders, Cllr. Varmah emphasized the importance of the Assembly as more than a traditional event, describing it as a constitutional mandate and a moment to reaffirm the Bar’s commitment to justice, democracy, and legal integrity.
“It is with profound honor and humility that I stand before you today,” Cllr. Varmah began, extending a warm welcome to all participants. He noted that the presence of members and guests at the Assembly was a clear demonstration of their devotion to the legal profession and the national pursuit of justice and democratic values.
Cllr. Varmah underscored the LNBA’s enduring role as a pillar of Liberia’s legal framework, citing its responsibility as a defender of human rights and promoter of the rule of law. He called on members to approach the Assembly with a sense of duty and resolve to ensure that the LNBA remains an institution of excellence and integrity.
“This Annual General Assembly provides us with an opportunity to assess our achievements, challenges, and future aspirations,” Varmah said. “It is a platform for professional development, strategic planning, and collective decision-making that will shape the course of legal practice in Liberia for years to come.”
Against the backdrop of growing challenges to the rule of law and access to justice in Liberia, Cllr. Varmah issued a strong call to action. He described the legal profession as the guardian of justice, charged with ensuring that the legal system serves all Liberians fairly and equitably. He highlighted urgent issues ranging from judicial independence to legal representation for the indigent, and from democratic accountability to addressing past and present injustices.
“The challenges before us demand not just our legal expertise but our collective commitment to action,” he declared. “This assembly is not just a routine gathering; it is a call to duty.”
As the Assembly continues over the next two days, Cllr. Varmah encouraged active and constructive participation, urging members to work toward tangible outcomes that will strengthen legal institutions, legal education, and governance reform.
Concluding his remarks, Cllr. Varmah formally declared the Assembly open. “May our deliberations be fruitful, and may we continue to uphold the integrity and values of the legal profession in Liberia,” he said to loud applause.
The LNBA’s Annual General Assembly serves as a cornerstone of the association’s mission to promote ethical standards, uphold justice, and contribute meaningfully to Liberia’s democratic development.
