Justice Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay has been unanimously confirmed as the Chief Justice of the Republic of Liberia, following a decisive and historic vote by the Liberian Senate during its plenary session on Thursday, July 17, 2025. All 24 senators present voted in favor of his nomination, with no abstentions or dissenting votes—a rare demonstration of bipartisan consensus in Liberia’s upper legislative chamber. The confirmation followed the reading of a detailed report from the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Claims, and Petitions, chaired by Senator Augustine S. Chea of Sinoe County. The committee thoroughly reviewed Justice Gbeisay’s credentials, experience, and past service, concluding that he was “duly qualified” and had met all constitutional requirements for the post. “Justice Gbeisay possesses the moral standing, professional competence, and judicial experience needed to lead the nation’s judiciary at this critical time,” said Senator Chea during the presentation of the committee’s findings. Justice Gbeisay, who previously served as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, now steps into the Judiciary’s highest position following the retirement of Chief Justice Sie-A-Nyene Gyapay Yuoh, who reached the constitutional retirement age of 70 earlier this year. The committee’s report praised Justice Gbeisay’s legal acumen, integrity, and strong record of public service, citing his role in presiding over some of Liberia’s most complex legal cases and his unwavering commitment to judicial independence and the rule of law. His elevation to Chief Justice is being widely viewed as a pivotal moment for Liberia’s justice sector, with citizens and legal professionals expressing hope for a more impartial, efficient, and reform-oriented judiciary under his leadership. “This is a new chapter for the Supreme Court and for Liberia’s justice system as a whole,” said Senator Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence of Grand Bassa County. “We expect Chief Justice Gbeisay to uphold the Constitution, protect judicial independence, and continue the fight for equitable justice.” Justice Gbeisay has pledged to prioritize access to justice, institutional reform, improved court infrastructure, and the professional development of judicial officers throughout the country. His formal induction ceremony as Chief Justice is expected to take place in the coming days at the Supreme Court, Temple of Justice. Meanwhile, President Joseph N. Boakai has nominated Cllr. Boakai Kanneh to succeed Justice Gbeisay as Associate Justice.
