Published: August 18, 2025
MONROVIA — On August 15, 2025, the Temple of Justice was filled with both emotion and celebration as family, sympathizers, and members of the legal community gathered to bid farewell to Chief Justice Sie-A-Nyene Gyapay Yuoh, who retired upon reaching the constitutional age of 70 on June 26.
Educational Background
Born in Montserrado County, Yuoh began her academic journey at St. Teresa’s Convent Catholic High School, graduating in 1974. She went on to Cuttington University in Bong County, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science in 1978.
In 1979, she enrolled at the Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law, University of Liberia, completing her Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree in 1981. She was admitted to the Liberia National Bar Association as an Attorney-at-Law and, later in 1988, as a Counsellor-at-Law of the Supreme Court Bar.
Public and Professional Service
Yuoh’s early public service included roles as Assistant Minister for Legal Affairs at the Ministry of Justice (1983–85), Coordinator for African Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (1988–90), and Corporate Secretary/Assistant Legal Counsel at the Central Bank of Liberia (2000–03). From July 2011 to April 2013, she served the Law Reform Commission as Acting Executive Director and Commissioner.
She also worked in the private sector as Associate and Legal Counsel at the David A. B. Jallah Law Firm in Monrovia between 1994 and 2000.
In 2013, she was nominated, appointed, and commissioned as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court. On August 23, 2022, former President George M. Weah elevated her to Chief Justice, succeeding Francis S. Korkpor.
Professional and Social Affiliation
Yuoh served as Vice President of the Liberia National Bar Association (1994–98), was a founding member of the Association of Female Lawyers of Liberia (AFELL) where she became the first vice president (1997–98), chaired the Judiciary Committee of the LNBA (2012–13), and also served as president of the Maryland County Local Bar Association in 2013.
She is married and blessed with 10 children and two grandchildren.
Ceremony and Tributes
Despite the significance of the occasion, President Joseph Boakai, Justice Minister Oswald Tweh, and legislative leaders were absent, for reasons not disclosed.
Cllr. Bonnor M. Varmah, president of the Liberia National Bar Association, praised Yuoh’s groundbreaking role as LNBA’s first female vice president, calling her retirement a constitutional fulfillment and a model of judicial service.
Representing the Ministry of Justice, Cllr. Augustine Fayiah extolled her legacy of transformative leadership, including her role in securing fiscal independence for the judiciary. He lauded her for championing judicial reform, reducing case backlogs, advocating for infrastructure improvements, and ensuring financial autonomy through legislation.
“You have been a passionate champion for vulnerable groups, especially women and children, advocating tirelessly for equitable access to justice,” Fayiah said. “Your resilience and unwavering focus on reform have left an indelible mark.”
Associate Justice Ceaineh D. Clinton Johnson offered a personal reflection, recalling how Yuoh mentored her in writing judicial opinions, often demanding revisions that became valuable lessons. “At first I was vexed,” Johnson admitted with emotion. “But it was a learning curve that shaped me.”
Associate Justice Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay, Sr., emphasized the institutional gratitude for her contributions, while Associate Justice Yussif D. Kaba highlighted her enforcement of the Judiciary Financial Autonomy Act and the expansion of judicial infrastructure, including complexes in Maryland County and magisterial courts in Paynesville, Barnesville, and Brewerville.
Senior Associate Justice Jamesetta Howard Wolokolie noted Yuoh’s success in raising the Judiciary’s budget from $18 million to $23 million and initiating a five-year strategic plan. “She fought with bravery for financial independence and left the judiciary stronger,” Wolokolie remarked.
Reflections from the Retired Chief Justice
In her farewell remarks, Chief Justice Yuoh reflected on more than three decades of service, noting that while political leadership may change, the law remains constant. She recounted her elevation to Chief Justice during the charged 2022 elections and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve.
“I am going to rest and be with my family, especially my grandchildren,” she said, visibly emotional. “I have played my part, and it’s time to leave now.”
Retired Chief Justice Yuoh departs the bench with a legacy of reform, leadership, and an enduring commitment to judicial independence. Her tenure is remembered for advancing gender justice, empowering women in the legal profession, strengthening Liberia’s judiciary, and reminding colleagues that justice is the foundation on which peace and development stand.
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