By Wilmot Konah, dadekolly20@gmail.com
Monrovia — The Law Reform Commission (LRC) has outlined plans to review Liberia’s 1986 Constitution, establish a National Railway Authority, develop a National Health Insurance legislative framework, and create a specialized Family Court as part of efforts to modernize the country’s legal system.
Other proposed reforms include reviewing mining laws, strengthening the National Road Fund and National Road Authority, improving legislation governing public enterprises and commercial activities, and addressing non-performing loans and financial sector stability.
The initiatives form part of the Commission’s five-year strategic plan for 2026–2030, officially launched on Friday, November 6, 2026, in Monrovia, under the theme “Better Laws for a More Accountable Society: Modern, Responsive and Accessible Laws for Liberia.”
Speaking at the launch, LRC Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer Cllr. Bornor M. Varmah said the plan is intended to transform the Commission into a professional, responsive and effective institution capable of leading legal and governance reforms.
“Today, we are not merely launching a document. We are declaring an institutional vision, embracing a renewed national responsibility, and setting in motion a five-year journey to reposition the Law Reform Commission,” Varmah said.
He stressed that law reform is essential to Liberia’s development, noting that outdated and conflicting laws can undermine governance, economic growth and access to justice.
“For Liberia, therefore, law reform is not an academic exercise. It is not simply about reviewing outdated legislation or correcting inconsistencies in statutory provisions. It is a national development imperative,” he stated.
On constitutional reform, Varmah said the 1986 Constitution remains the country’s supreme legal instrument but requires an inclusive and evidence-based examination to address changing governance realities and national aspirations. He added that the Commission will provide technical and legal support to the ongoing constitutional review process.
The strategic plan focuses on four areas: law reform, codification of laws, gender and human rights, and institutional strengthening. It also seeks to improve public access to legislation through modernized systems and digital platforms.
Varmah emphasized the importance of partnerships with the Executive, Legislature, Judiciary, universities, the Liberian National Bar Association, civil society and development partners in implementing the reforms.
The strategy aligns with Pillar Three (Rule of Law) of the Government’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development and the UNDP Country Programme Document 2026–2030.
Meanwhile, Varmah pledged to build a stronger and more capable Commission, describing the strategic plan as a framework for institutional accountability and measurable performance.
“This Strategic Plan is therefore not a document to be placed on a shelf. It is a management instrument, an accountability framework, and a commitment to performance,” he said.
The launch marked a major milestone for Liberia’s governance space as the agency moves to align national policies with current day realities and issues affecting the country’s population.
