94
The Office of the Ombudsman in Liberia has recommended the suspension of four Justices of the Supreme Court, including outgoing Chief Justice Sie-A-Nyene G. Yuoh, for failing to declare their assets in line with the country’s Code of Conduct for public officials.
The announcement was made on Thursday, July 31, 2025, during a press briefing held in Monrovia by the Chairperson of the Office of the Ombudsman, Mr. Finley Y. Karngar. The four Justices found in violation of the law are Justice Yussif D. Kaba, Justice Jamesetta H. Wolokolie, Justice Ceaineh D. Clinton Johnson, and Chief Justice Yuoh, whose tenure is about to end.
According to Karngar, the Justices violated Section 10.2(h) of the Code of Conduct, which clearly states that any official appointed by the President must declare their assets within 30 days of appointment. Failure to comply, as the law demands, should result in immediate suspension until the individual fulfils the requirement.
Karngar also revealed that, apart from recommending suspension, the Office of the Ombudsman has deducted one month’s salary from each of the four Justices. This punishment, he said, is in line with Sections 15.1(c) and 15.1(d) of the same Code of Conduct.
“No one is above the law,” Karngar emphasized. “This decision sets a national precedent for upholding transparency and accountability, particularly within the judiciary, which is expected to be a model for legal compliance.”
He further explained that the Office of the Ombudsman has been closely monitoring asset declarations, which are under the supervision of the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC). He said that as of July 4, 2025, the LACC had identified 366 judicial officials who were required to submit asset declarations. Out of that number, 362 complied, but the four Supreme Court Justices failed to do so.
This failure amounts to a breach of Sections 10.2, 3.10, and 4.1 of the Code of Conduct, as amended in 2022. These sections mandate public officials to declare their assets, incomes, and liabilities to promote transparency in government.
But the judiciary is not the only arm of government facing scrutiny. Karngar also announced that the Ombudsman’s Office has recommended the suspension of 29 lawmakers, including 17 representatives and 12 senators, for failing to declare their assets as well.
The senators named for non-compliance include:
Sen. Alex J. Tyler (Bomi),
Sen. Simone Taylor (Grand Cape Mount),
Sen. Botoe Kanneh (Gbarpolu),
Sen. Zoe E. Pennue and Sen. Thomas Y. Nimely (Grand Gedeh),
Sen. Wellington G. Smith and Sen. Bill Twehway (Rivercess),
Sen. Crayton Duncan (Sinoe),
Sen. Numene Bartekwa (Grand Kru),
Sen. James Biney (Maryland),
Sen. Saah Joseph (Montserrado), and
Sen. Samuel Kogar (Nimba County).
Karngar confirmed that the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Senate Pro Tempore, Nyonblee Karnga Lawrence, have been formally notified of these recommendations. He called on relevant authorities to take action without delay.
The Ombudsman reminded public officials of Section 2.1 of the Code of Conduct, which requires all appointed and elected officials in the Executive, Judiciary, and Legislative branches to declare their assets upon assumption of office.
He added that Liberia must build a culture of accountability that applies to all, regardless of position or influence. According to him, the country cannot make progress if public servants continue to act above the law.
In his closing remarks, Karngar thanked President Joseph Boakai for showing leadership by accepting the Ombudsman’s recommendations. He said such presidential support strengthens the institution’s work and sends a clear message that transparency and rule of law are key to good governance.
The matter is now in the hands of the appropriate institutions, including the Judicial Service Commission, National Legislature, and the Executive, to ensure that these recommendations are enforced.
