– She Wishes Boakai Well as Chief Justice Gbeisay Takes Over
By Jerromie S. Walters
Monrovia: Astute Liberian female legal guru, Sie-A-Nyene Gyapay Yuoh formally and judicially exited her post as the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Republic of Liberia, on Friday, August 15, 2025, ushering in the regime of Justice Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay, as the current Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Republic of Liberia.
In her farewell speech, former Chief Justice Yuoh described the conclusion of her tenure as the “end of the beginning” of her leadership at the Supreme Court of Liberia, emphasizing the judiciary’s critical role in upholding the rule of law during a pivotal political transition.
Speaking on her time in office, Yuoh linked her ascendancy to the Chief Justice position to a crucial period in Liberia’s democracy—just one year before the 2023 general elections. “Every Liberian knows the outcome of these elections,” she stated, alluding to the shift in power that saw the ruling party transition into the opposition and the lead opposition party assume governance.
“There were three major consequences occasioned by the happening of these elections. Namely: the then ruling party becoming an opposition party. The lead opposition party becoming the ruling party and the law remained the law,” she said and further explained: “These complementing events have historically positioned the Youh’s bench of the Supreme Court of Liberia between the ousting of an acquanting administration constitutionally and the commencement of after work in a new administration, that is the Boakai’s administration.”
Mirroring on her journey:
Reflecting on her two years and four months in office, Yuoh expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve, crediting history for being “kind to the Yuoh bench” in ensuring justice prevailed. She extended her appreciation to her fellow justices, the broader judiciary, and the executive and legislative branches for their collaboration and service to the nation.
In her closing remarks, she offered a prayer for her successor, Justice Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay, who now assumes leadership of the Supreme Court. “It is my hardest prayer that the [Supreme Court] bench coming under Justice Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay with farewell as you continue to steer the ship of this institution and this Honorable Supreme Court,” she said. As she stepped away from the bench, Yuoh signaled a return to her family while leaving a final blessing for Liberia. “I am going to my family. May God bless the government and save our nation. Thank you!”
A Distinguished Legal Career:
Yuoh retired at the constitutionally mandated age of 70 on June 26, 2025. Widely praised for her exemplary service, Yuoh was appointed Liberia’s third female Chief Justice on August 23, 2022, succeeding Francis Korkpor following his retirement. Her tenure was marked by steadfast leadership during a critical period in Liberia’s democratic journey.
Even in retirement, Yuoh remains committed to legal advocacy, particularly for women’s rights. In early June, she announced plans to continue offering her expertise through the Association of Female Lawyers of Liberia (AFELL), an organization she has long supported. “Within three months’ time, you will see me there. I worked with AFELL for free until I joined the Law Reform Commission,” she recalled.
Born in Montserrado County, Yuoh received her early education at St. Teresa’s Convent in Monrovia before earning a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Cuttington University in 1978. She later pursued legal studies at the Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law, graduating in 1981 with an LLB degree. Admitted to the Liberia National Bar Association that same year, she rose to become a Counsellor-At-Law in 1988, marking the beginning of a storied legal career.
Her professional journey spanned both the public and private sectors. She served in key government roles, including Assistant Minister for Legal Affairs at the Ministry of Justice (1983–1985), Coordinator for African Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (1988–1990), and Corporate Secretary at the Central Bank of Liberia (2000–2003). Later, as Acting Executive Director of the Law Reform Commission (2011–2013), she played a pivotal role in shaping Liberia’s legal framework.
Beyond government service, Yuoh contributed significantly to private legal practice, working at the David A.B. Jallah Law Firm from 1994 to 2000. Her judicial career reached its pinnacle in 2013 when she was appointed Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, a position she held before her historic elevation to Chief Justice nearly a decade later.
A trailblazer for women in law, Yuoh co-founded AFELL and held leadership roles in the Liberia National Bar Association, including Vice President (1994–1998) and Chair of the Judiciary Committee (2012–2013). She also served as President of the Maryland County Bar Association in 2013. Married with ten children and two grandchildren, Yuoh leaves behind a legacy of integrity, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to justice.
Legislature and Executive Boycott Yuoh’s Retirement Ceremony
Surprisingly, Liberia’s Legislature joined the Executive Branch in boycotting Friday’s retirement ceremony for Chief Justice Sie-A-Nyene Gyapay Yuoh, leaving only a proxy to represent the Justice Ministry at the high-profile event. The occasion, meant to honor Yuoh’s groundbreaking tenure as Liberia’s first female chief justice, was marred by conspicuously empty seats reserved for President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, House Speaker Richard Koon, Senate leadership, and cabinet officials.
The traditional role of Justice Minister – who normally escorts outgoing and incoming chief justices as Dean of the Supreme Court Bar – was instead filled by a junior stand-in, sparking audible murmurs among attendees about the growing rift between government branches. Some Liberians widely interpreted the boycott as retaliation for the Judiciary’s absence from January’s State of the Nation Address (SONA).
That earlier snub followed the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling that Koon’s ascension to the speakership violated constitutional Articles 33 and 49, rendering all subsequent legislative actions invalid. The Boakai administration’s continued recognition of Koon – reportedly based on the Justice Minister’s controversial interpretation of the ruling – has drawn sharp criticism as politically motivated.
The January tensions escalated when Yuoh traveled to Cairo for the Annual High-Level Meeting of Chief Justices from Africa and the Middle East, while her four fellow justices similarly declined to attend the SONA, deepening the constitutional crisis. Despite the government’s absence, the courtroom overflowed with supporters including the Liberia National Bar Association, legal professionals, diplomatic representatives, and law students.
Justice Gbeisay’s regime begins:
Former Chief Justice Sie-A-Nyene Gyapay Yuoh formally passed the mantle to Justice Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay, marking the beginning of a new judicial era in Liberia. President Joseph Nyuma Boakai initiated this transition on June 30, 2025, when he nominated the then-Associate Justice Gbeisay to ascend to the nation’s highest judicial office, setting in motion a swift and unanimous confirmation process.
The Liberian Senate illustrated remarkable consensus on July 17, 2025, when all 24 senators present voted without dissent to confirm Justice Gbeisay as Chief Justice, completing the leadership transition at the Supreme Court. Prior to the full Senate vote, the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Claims, and Petitions, chaired by Sinoe County Senator Augustine S. Chea, conducted a rigorous evaluation of the nominee. Their comprehensive report also highlighted his sterling reputation, noting his “unquestionable moral integrity, profound legal expertise, and demonstrated leadership” as key assets for the nation’s top judicial position.
