Published: July 16, 2025
MONROVIA – The Institute for Transparency and Accountability International (ITAI) has praised President Joseph N. Boakai for nominating Associate Justice Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay, Sr. as the next Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Liberia, describing the appointment as a bold step toward strengthening the country’s judiciary.
In a statement issued Tuesday, the group congratulated Justice Gbeisay on his nomination and expressed confidence in his capacity to lead the nation’s highest court with distinction.
Justice Gbeisay, who currently holds judicial oversight in Grand Bassa, Bong, Nimba, and Lofa counties, brings more than 27 years of legal experience to the position. He has previously served as a practicing lawyer, relieving judge, and Associate Justice of the Supreme Court.
ITAI recalled his impactful service as a consultant to the Public Defenders’ Program during the tenure of former Chief Justice Francis S. Korkpor, Sr. In that role, Justice Gbeisay helped improve legal representation for indigent defendants and trained public defenders across Liberia’s judicial circuits.
“These services have significantly enhanced the program’s effectiveness in providing adequate legal representation for those who cannot afford it,” the group stated.
Extensive Legal and Public Service Background
ITAI highlighted Justice Gbeisay’s rich legal and public sector background. He began his career as a classroom teacher in the Monrovia Consolidated School System (MCSS) from 1984 to 1989, and later served as a Research Analyst at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (1989–1990).
He went on to hold several senior positions, including Director of Claims and Benefits at the National Social Security and Welfare Corporation (NASSCORP) from 1996 to 1999, and Legal Counsel at the Ministry of Labor (2001–2003). He later served as Legal Counsel at the National Elections Commission (2003–2005), before becoming Managing Partner at Tiala Law Associates.
Gbeisay also held the role of Legal Consultant at the Ministry of Justice and served as a Relieving Judge before being appointed to the Supreme Court by former President George M. Weah.
He is a 1988 graduate of the University of Liberia and earned his law degree from the Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law in 1998. He also holds a “B” Certificate in Language Arts from the Kakata Rural Teacher Training Institute (KRTTI) and is an alumnus of Dolo Memorial High School.
Call for Speedy Senate Confirmation
As the Senate begins confirmation proceedings for the Chief Justice-designate, ITAI has called on lawmakers to act swiftly.
“Justice Gbeisay is well-versed in constitutional law and brings invaluable wisdom to the Supreme Court bench,” the group said. “We urge the Liberian Senate to expedite his confirmation process to ensure a seamless transition in the judiciary.”
If confirmed, Justice Gbeisay will succeed in leading the Supreme Court at a time when public trust in the judiciary remains a key issue in Liberia’s governance reform agenda.
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