Yuoh struggling with health issues 

In September 2022, Chief Justice Sie-A-Nyene Yuoh ascended to her current position following her appointment by former President George Manneh Weah in August, replacing retired Chief Justice Francis S. Korkpor, Sr.

By Lincoln G. Peters 

Monrovia, Liberia, 12 March 2024: Liberia’s Chief Justice Sie-A-Nyene G. Yuoh is said to be struggling with health issues, which were the reason she was missing at the Supreme Court’s opening on Monday, 11 March 2024.

During the ceremony, Associate Justice Jamesetta Howard Wolokollie said she was presiding over the Court’s opening due to Chief Justice Yuoh’s ongoing medical treatment and struggle with illness.

The three branches of Liberia’s government graced the opening of the Supreme Court’s March 2024 Term.

During the opening, President Joseph Nyumah Boakai delivered an unprecedented brief statement.

The Supreme Court’s chaplain, Rev. J. Joel Gould, led a prayer for Chief Justice Yuoh to return and conquer whatever health crisis she is facing. 

Chief Justice Yuoh ascended to her position in September 2022 following her appointment by former President George Manneh Weah in August, replacing retired Chief Justice Francis S. Korkpor, Sr.

Liberia’s Constitution sets the retirement age of justices at 70, but details about Chief Justice Yuoh’s age are not available.

In her opening address, Associate Justice Wolokollie proposed holding a joint consultation among the three branches of government to enhance collaboration and cooperation.

“As we propose earlier that joint consultation be held among the three branches of government, we are particularly concerned with the status of salaries, allowances and benefits of judges,” said Justice Wolokollie.

She said it’s imperative that a joint consultative meeting with the Legislature and Executive branches of government be held as early as possible to conclude on judges’ salaries, allowances, and benefits regarding the implementation of Article 72 of the Liberian Constitution.

Justice Wolokollie suggested that a credible judiciary rests more on financially independent judges.

“We, therefore, will immediately proceed to arrange a sustainable schedule with the other two branches of government for the hosting of a meeting to discuss the issues of judges’ salaries,” she said.

Responding to the Justice’s opening address, Liberia’s Justice Minister Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh and the President of the Liberia National Bar Association, in separate statements, extolled Associate Justice Wolokollie for the recommendation.

“We appreciate and welcome your call for a tripartite conference where issues affecting the judicial branch, especially the harmonization of judges’ salaries across the country, can be addressed,” they noted. 

“It’s our anticipation that this will be looked at as soon as possible.”