Rédaction Africa Links 24 with New Dawn
Published on 2024-03-12 01:45:00
Chief Justice Sie-A-Nyene Yuoh of Liberia, who ascended to her position in September 2022, is currently facing health challenges that have caused her to miss the opening of the Supreme Court’s March 2024 Term. This absence was noted by Associate Justice Jamesetta Howard Wolokollie, who presided over the Court’s opening in Chief Justice Yuoh’s stead. The event was attended by representatives from all three branches of Liberia’s government, including President Joseph Nyumah Boakai, who delivered a brief statement.
The Supreme Court’s chaplain, Rev. J. Joel Gould, led a prayer for Chief Justice Yuoh’s health and speedy recovery. It was mentioned during the ceremony that Chief Justice Yuoh was appointed by former President George Manneh Weah in August 2022, succeeding retired Chief Justice Francis S. Korkpor, Sr. The retirement age for justices in Liberia is set at 70, although specifics about Chief Justice Yuoh’s age remain undisclosed.
In her address at the Court’s opening, Associate Justice Wolokollie proposed the idea of holding a joint consultation among the three branches of government to foster collaboration and cooperation. She highlighted the importance of addressing issues related to judges’ salaries, allowances, and benefits in line with Article 72 of the Liberian Constitution. Justice Wolokollie emphasized the necessity of financial independence for judges to ensure a credible judiciary.
Following Justice Wolokollie’s recommendations, Liberia’s Justice Minister Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh and the President of the Liberia National Bar Association commended her initiative and expressed support for the proposed tripartite conference. They acknowledged the significance of harmonizing judges’ salaries across the country and emphasized the need for prompt action in this regard.
Overall, the event underscored the importance of collaboration and dialogue among the branches of government to address critical issues facing the judiciary in Liberia. With Chief Justice Yuoh’s health at the forefront of concerns, the legal community and government officials alike are committed to ensuring the well-being of the Chief Justice and advancing the judiciary’s effectiveness and independence. It is expected that further discussions and actions will be taken to address the challenges and opportunities facing the justice system in Liberia.
Read the original article on The Newdawn Liberia
