Published: April 15, 2026
MONROVIA – Decades-old laws that clash with Liberia’s constitution and a justice system that leaves the poor and marginalized behind are driving the Law Reform Commission to overhaul its strategic direction, officials said during a one-day working session Wednesday to update the agency’s Draft Strategic Plan.
The session, facilitated by legal consultant Charles Yorke, brought together Commission staff and legal experts to reassess institutional priorities and align the body’s work with the government’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development.
Commission Chairperson and CEO Bornor M. Varmah told participants that law reform cannot afford to stand still.
“As we reflect on our mandate, it is clear law reform is not a static exercise. It must evolve in response to emerging legal, social and economic realities,” Varmah said, urging staff to engage in open dialogue, identify gaps and recommit to integrity and collaboration.
Executive Director Ramses T. Kumbuyah said the current draft strategic plan was developed in 2025 under former leadership but requires updating to reflect significant shifts in the rule of law sector and new policy priorities under the Boakai administration.
The revised plan is expected to strengthen the Commission’s contribution to Pillar III of the national development framework, which centers on rule of law. Core thematic areas include statutory review, codification of laws, gender and human rights, and institutional strengthening.
Central to the update is a comprehensive review of existing legislation, particularly laws that conflict with the 1986 Constitution or fail to address present-day realities. The Commission is also prioritizing reforms aimed at expanding access to justice for women, children and persons with disabilities, and simplifying legal texts to make them more accessible to ordinary Liberians.
Kumbuyah said the updated plan will incorporate legislative priorities consistent with President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s agenda, including proposed laws on family courts, land courts, environmental governance and local content. Reviews of statutes governing mining, investment, maritime affairs and public administration are also on the agenda.
Among the more significant proposed reforms are the repeal of decrees issued during the People’s Redemption Council era, revision of the elections law to decentralize administrative functions, and strengthening of human rights and gender-related legal frameworks.
Stakeholder engagement will be a cornerstone of the process, with planned collaboration with the judiciary, the Legislature, the Liberian National Bar Association, civil society organizations and development partners.
Kumbuyah closed by calling on staff to bring practical, cost-conscious ideas to the table to ensure the revised plan is both implementable and financially sustainable. The session’s outcome is expected to guide Liberia’s broader law reform agenda in the years ahead.
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