Unshaken moral compass in Liberia’s turbulent legal storms

The Liberian National Bar Association says the retirement of Chief Justice Sie-A-Nyene G. Yuoh is an unshaken moral compass, even in the most turbulent legal storms in Liberia.

By Lincoln G. Peters

Monrovia, Liberia; August 19, 2025 – The Liberian National Bar Association, in a heart-touching tribute, has described retired Chief Justice Sie-A-Nyene G. Yuoh, as an unshaken moral compass even in the most turbulent legal storms, while reminding her that her quest for judicial independence and adherence to justice and the rule of law is not unnoticed.

Delivering the tribute on behalf of the legal body, LNBA national president, Cllr. Borno M. Varmah, said that as the Constitution, which is the country’s enduring covenant of governance calls for the graceful closing of a remarkable judicial chapter under Article 72(b), they do not merely witness the retirement of a Chief Justice, but honored the culmination of decades of service, integrity, and unwavering fidelity to the law.

According to him, retired Chief Justice Yuoh led the Court with a rare blend of firmness and humility, ensuring that justice was not an abstract ideal, but a lived reality for litigants, lawyers, and the people of Liberia.

Cllr. Varmah further disclosed that under her stewardship, the judiciary remained an anchor of stability, a guardian of rights, and a reminder that the scales of justice must be balanced, not in favour of the powerful, but in service of the truth.

“Chief Justice Yuoh’s journey, from her formative years at the Ministry of Justice, Law Reform Commission, to her tenure as an Associate Justice, and ultimately as Chief Justice of the Republic, has been marked by discipline, courage, and a deep reverence for the rule of law. Her judicial pen has been steady, her voice clear, and her moral compass unshaken even in the most turbulent legal storms.” Cllr. Varmah stated.

He also noted that Chief Justice Yuoh has been more than the nation’s top jurist, instead she has also been a teacher to young lawyers, a counsel to the seasoned advocate, and a conscience to the Bar itself, adding that she has challenged them, the Liberian National Bar Association, to uphold the nobility of the constitution and the profession and practice.

“On behalf of the National Executive Council, the membership, and indeed the entire legal fraternity of the Republic of Liberia, the Liberian National Bar Association extends its heartfelt salute to a jurist whose life’s work has become an indelible chapter in the history of our judiciary: her Honor, Chief Justice Sie-A-Nyene Gyapay Yuoh. Your calling to defend the independence of the courts and to serve the people with diligence and honor is unmatched, she noted.

Cllr. Varmah pointed out that as she now steps away from the Bench, Justice Yuoh leaves behind a legacy that will inspire generations, a legacy of courage over convenience, principle over pressure, and justice over expediency.

“Chief Justice Yuoh, the Bar says to you today: your robe may be laid aside, but your example will forever clothe the conscience of the Liberian legal profession. May the Almighty reward your years of faithful service with peace, health, and fulfilment in the new chapter ahead. On behalf of the Liberian National Bar Association, I say thank you, Chief Justice. You have served with honor. You retire with dignity. And you depart with the enduring gratitude of the nation you served so well. May God bless you and may God bless the Republic of Liberia.” He concluded. Editing by Jonathan Browne