TRANSPARENCY, ACCOUNTABILITY, AND JUDICIAL INDEPENDENCE CRUCIAL TO LIBERIA’S LEGAL GOVERNANCE SYSTEMS, LIBA PRESIDENT EMPHASIZES AT SUPREME COURT OPENING

By Florence D. Nyenatiee

March 11, 2025

Monrovia: The Liberia National Bar Association President has emphasized that transparency, accountability, and judicial independence are crucial to Liberia’s legal Governance systems while reflecting on the progress made within judiciary with a call for further improvements.

In his address at the opening of the Supreme Court of Liberia March term, Cllr Bono Varmah called for continuous monitoring and oversight to ensure judicial independence is preserved and further strengthened in practice.

According to the LIBA boss, to achieve true transparency and accountability requires concrete actions which include rigorous oversight and measures to ensure that judicial decisions are free from external influences while reaffirming LIBA’s commitment to advocating for a legal system that is independent, impartial, and unafraid to administer justice, regardless of external pressure.

Cllr. Varmah emphasized that legal independence is essential to the judiciary in safeguarding justice and fairness within Liberia’s legal framework. “The judiciary must remain impartial and free from undue influence to fulfill its duty of dispensing justice fairly,” Varmah stated.

According to Cllr Varmah, it’s time for the judiciary and the legal professionals to lead by example, embodying justice, transparency, and accountability in their daily practices acknowledging progress made.

“It is no longer sufficient to celebrate achievements, the focus must shift toward building a judicial system that truly reflects the ideals of independence, transparency, and accountability, the journey toward a just Liberia may be long, but it is one thing that the LIBA and all stakeholders must pursue with unwavering commitment”

Cllr. Varmah expressed gratitude on behalf of LIBA to President Joseph Boakai and the Government of Liberia for their commitment to the Financial Autonomy Act of 2006. The Act, designed to grant greater financial independence to the judiciary, was praised by Varmah as a pivotal step toward improving both transparency and accountability within Liberia’s judicial system. “This Act has been instrumental in ensuring greater independence and accountability in the management of judicial and governmental affairs”.Varmah stated.

“The milestones achieved by the Government of Liberia in this regard serve as a significant example of progress toward aligning with core principles that uphold the rule of law”.  He acknowledged the government’s positive strides but emphasized that compliance with the Financial Autonomy Act is just the beginning.

He stressed the importance of combating financial mismanagement and corruption, especially within the judicial system. “Strict financial oversight, including regular audits and the implementation of best financial management practices, are essential for achieving these goals, an accountable judiciary is fundamental to maintaining the integrity of our legal system and advancing the cause of justice.” He said.

Varman’s remarks underscored the importance of these principles, pointing out the gap between rhetoric and reality adding that public trust in the judiciary relies on the consistent application of transparent financial practices because “Liberia’s history has been marred by instances of judicial corruption, inefficiency, and neglect”.

He noted that the ongoing advancement of these principles is necessary for ongoing development of a just and equitable society saying legal autonomy remains a contentious issue in Liberia.

Recent concerns, such as allegations of political interference in judicial appointments have raised questions about the extent of the judiciary’s freedom from outside influence, as such, Varmah’s call for vigilance and advocacy to ensure an independent judiciary is not just a plea for reform, but an urgent necessity.

Cllr. Varmah reiterated LIBA’s dedication to promoting the rule of law, legal independence, and the overall advancement of Liberia’s legal profession. He emphasized that these principles are vital for maintaining a just and equitable society. However, Varmah stressed that these values must not only be spoken about but actively pursued.