AFELL Urges President Boakai to Appoint Female Chief Justice for Judicial Reform
Liberian Female Lawyers Call for Gender Representation in Supreme Court
Monrovia — The Association of Female Lawyers of Liberia (AFELL) has made a public appeal to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai to appoint a female Chief Justice following the impending retirement of current Chief Justice Sie-A-Nyene Gyapay Yuoh.
Commitment to Judicial Reform and Gender Equality
During the official opening of the March Term of Court, AFELL called on President Boakai to demonstrate his commitment to the “ARREST AGENDA,” particularly its Rule of Law component, by appointing both a female Chief Justice and a female Associate Justice to the Supreme Court Bench.
“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,” said AFELL President Cllr. Philomena T. Williams in a public statement.
Recognizing Women in Leadership
The Association congratulated President Boakai’s new administration while highlighting AFELL members in key government positions, including Vice President Cllr. Juah Lawson and Treasurer Atty. Yemi Williams. AFELL urged these leaders to champion legal reforms.
Combating Judicial Corruption
Addressing the theme of “The LNBA and the Fight Against Corruption,” Cllr. Williams emphasized that accountability must begin within the legal profession itself. “Combating corruption begins from within. As key judicial actors, we must uphold strong internal compliance standards,” she stated.
AFELL commended outgoing Chief Justice Yuoh and the Supreme Court for recent disciplinary actions against legal professionals, viewing these as positive steps toward judicial accountability.
Upholding Judicial Integrity
The Association stressed that the Rule of Law remains fundamental to a functioning justice system, calling for equal application of laws to all citizens and government branches. In closing, AFELL emphasized the need to preserve judicial independence: “We must uphold the honor and dignity of the courts. We were made good lawyers — we must remain great lawyers without fear or favor.”
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