Capitol Hill, Monrovia –Cllr. Boakai N. Kanneh, the Associate Justice Designate to the Supreme Court of Liberia, is calling for a complete rewrite to reflect modern realities and address pressing societal challenges. This call requires change in the 1986 Constitution.
Appearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee during his confirmation hearing, Cllr. Kanneh who heads the Governance Commission said the Constitution, in its current form, falls short of capturing the demands and complexities of present-day Liberia, arguing that while the current Constitution may have served its time, it is no longer adequate to govern a society that has evolved significantly since the document was enacted nearly four decades ago.
Kanneh emphasized that rewriting the Constitution does not imply an automatic disruption of the current government. He clarified that the old Constitution can remain in effect to maintain legitimacy and continuity while a new framework is developed through appropriate and legal channels. He maintained that careful planning and transparent processes can ensure that constitutional reform strengthens, rather than undermines, governance.
Appointed by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai to fill the vacancy left by former Associate Justice Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay, who was elevated to Chief Justice, Cllr. Kanneh comes to the table with deep legal and administrative experience.
Though he admitted that he has never served as a judge, Cllr. Kanneh told the Senate that he brings to the bench extensive legal scholarship, practical experience, and public service, including his role as former Chairperson of the Law Reform Commission, noting that he does not fall short of requirements to become Associate Justice as enshrined in the constitution.
He sees his qualifications as a solid foundation to contribute meaningfully to constitutional reform, aiming to ensure it aligns with present-day realities and best practices.
Meanwhile, the nominee emphasized the importance of judicial independence, stressing that it must be preserved to uphold the integrity of the Judicial Branch.
He noted that the courts should be allowed the space to function independently in service to the public, highlighting that unlike the Executive and Legislative branches which are inherently political, the Judiciary remains the only non-political arm of government.
During his presentation, Cllr. Kanneh pledged his commitment to the rule of law and judicial independence, stressing that the independence of the judiciary remains one of the most critical challenges facing Liberia’s legal system.
He warned that without an impartial judiciary, public confidence diminishes, foreign investors shy away, and the country’s political stability may be endangered.
The former Law Reform Commission Boss seeking confirmation as Associate Justice called for respect for the doctrine of separation of powers, asserting that true judicial independence is only achievable when the Executive and Legislative branches refrain from interference and the Judiciary remains politically neutral.
He also presented a record of research and published work, including contributions on Liberia’s foreign policy orientation, judicial independence, and criminal law.
Cllr. Kanneh closed his confirmation statement with a solemn pledge to work closely with the Chief Justice and fellow justices to improve the administrative and legal functioning of the Judiciary, declaring that the challenges facing the judicial branch are surmountable if met with honest and diligent service.
