Bong County Judge urges creation of six new magistrate courts to speed up justice delivery.
By Edwin N Khakie
The Resident Judge of the 9th Judicial Circuit Court, Judge Boima Kontoe, has urged the establishment of six additional magistrate courts in Bong County to enhance access to justice and ease pressure on the county’s existing judicial system.
Speaking Monday at the formal opening of the August Term of Court in Gbarnga, Judge Kontoe said the current number of magistrate courts is insufficient to meet the growing needs of residents, particularly those in remote rural communities.
“Justice delayed is justice denied,” Judge Kontoe remarked, noting that the limited number of courts has led to delays in case hearings and hindered timely justice delivery. He emphasized that more courts would bring judicial services closer to the people and reduce travel distances for parties seeking legal redress.
Bong County currently operates nine magistrate courts, a figure Judge Kontoe described as inadequate for a county with such vast geographical coverage and a growing population.
The judge appealed to the Bong County Legislative Caucus, led by Senator Prince Moye, and the County Superintendent to prioritize and support the proposal. “The backing of our lawmakers and local authorities is essential to making this vision a reality for the benefit of our citizens,” he said.
Judge Kontoe’s call aligns with ongoing discussions within Liberia’s justice sector on decentralizing judicial services to promote fairness, efficiency, and public confidence in the courts.
