-In Push for Judicial Reform
Monrovia, Liberia — The Association of Female Lawyers of Liberia (AFELL) has called on President Joseph Nyuma Boakai to appoint a female Chief Justice and an Associate Justice to the Supreme Court Bench, following Chief Justice Sie-A-Nyene Gyapay Yuoh’s impending retirement.
The appeal was made during the official opening of the March Term of Court, where AFELL emphasized that such appointments would align with President Boakai’s ARREST Agenda, particularly its Rule of Law pillar.
In a statement delivered by AFELL President Cllr. Philomena T. Williams the association urged the President to demonstrate his commitment to judicial reform by ensuring women’s representation in the nation’s highest court.
“If President Boakai is serious about achieving judicial reforms under his ARREST Agenda, appointing women to the Supreme Court would be a progressive and symbolic step forward,” the statement read.
AFELL also congratulated the new administration, highlighting the appointments of Vice President Cllr. Juah Lawson and Treasurer Atty. Yemi Williams, both AFELL members. The association encouraged Cllr. Lawson to champion reforms within the legal sector.
Strengthening Judicial Integrity & Accountability
Addressing the Liberian National Bar Association’s (LNBA) theme — “The LNBA and the Fight Against Corruption – Strengthening Accountability in the Judicial Sector — Cllr. Williams stressed that the Bar must lead by example in promoting ethical conduct.
“Combating corruption begins from within. As key judicial actors, we must uphold strong internal compliance standards,” she asserted.
AFELL commended outgoing Chief Justice Yuoh and the Supreme Court for disciplining misconduct among lawyers, magistrates, and judges, calling such actions “evidence of a functioning accountability system.”
Upholding the Rule of Law
The association underscored that judicial independence and integrity are crucial in the fight against corruption. “The Rule of Law is a fundamental pillar of a functioning judiciary. To ensure justice, all branches of government—and every citizen—must be equally subject to the law,” AFELL stated.
In closing, the association called for unwavering commitment to ethical legal practice:
“We must uphold the honor and dignity of the courts. We were made good lawyers—we must remain great lawyers, without fear or favor.”
