Published: April 9, 2025
MONROVIA — The Association of Female Lawyers of Liberia (AFELL) is calling on President Joseph Nyuma Boakai to appoint a female Chief Justice following the upcoming retirement of the current Chief Justice, Sie-A-Nyene Gyapay Yuoh.
Speaking at the official opening of the March Term of Court, Chief Justice Yuoh announced her imminent retirement after years of dedicated service to the judiciary.
In a strong public appeal, AFELL urged President Boakai to demonstrate his commitment to the “ARREST AGENDA,” particularly its Rule of Law component, by appointing a woman as Chief Justice and an additional female Associate Justice to the Supreme Court Bench.
“We bring you greetings from the Board of Directors, Officers, and members of AFELL,” the Association said in a statement delivered by its President, Cllr. Philomena T. Williams. “If President Boakai is serious about achieving judicial reforms under his ARREST AGENDA, the appointment of women to the nation’s highest court would be a progressive and symbolic step forward.”
AFELL also extended congratulations to President Boakai and his new administration, with special acknowledgment of AFELL members now serving in key government positions—most notably Vice President Cllr. Juah Lawson and Treasurer Atty. Yemi Williams. The Association encouraged Cllr. Lawson to play a leading role in advancing positive reforms within the legal profession.
Addressing the theme of the Liberian National Bar Association’s Assembly, “The LNBA and the Fight Against Corruption – Strengthening Accountability in the Judicial Sector,” Cllr. Williams emphasized that the Bar itself must take the lead in promoting accountability and ethical behavior.
“Combating corruption begins from within. As key judicial actors, we must uphold strong internal compliance standards,” she stated.
AFELL, through its President, also commended the outgoing Chief Justice and other members of the High Court Bench for their efforts in addressing unethical behavior within the judiciary. The Association praised recent disciplinary rulings against lawyers, magistrates, and judges for misconduct, describing them as signs of a functioning system of internal accountability.
“The Rule of Law is a fundamental pillar of a functioning judicial system. To ensure justice and integrity, all branches of government and every citizen must be equally subject to the law,” AFELL noted.
In conclusion, the Association underscored the importance of maintaining the independence and integrity of the judiciary as a foundation for fighting corruption.
“We must uphold the honor and dignity of the courts. We were made good lawyers — we must remain great lawyers, without fear or favor,” AFELL stated.
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