The President of Liberia has urged the Judiciary to work together as a government to re-brand Liberia through reforms and actions affecting the business climate.
“I therefore urge you to let us work together as a Government to re-brand Liberia through impressive reforms and actions affecting the business climate, adding that, I have no doubt that this Conference will contribute meaningfully toward this end,” said President George M. Weah.
He said Thursday at the 4th National Judicial Conference which is being held under the theme: “The Law, Public Policy and Economy,” that if the law is the problem, then there is a need for reform or “if processes and systems are the problem,” then there is a need to change the processes.
“If the lack of funding is a problem, let us find ways to provide more resources. If certain people are the problem because for selfish motives, they stand in the way of fair and transparent processes, then let us kick those people out of our systems to improve our investment and business climate, the Liberian Leader noted.
He pointed out that “these are the actions we will expect to see following this important Conference.”
He used the occasion to commend international and local partners who continue to stand with Liberia as the nation goes through transformation, urging them to foster a stronger partnership as the nation seeks to transform its business and investment climate.
“It is an honor to address this esteemed gathering of Justices, judges and lawyers, although I have to be very careful in what I say here today, so as to avoid being held in contempt,” said President Weah.
President Weah also extend a special welcome to the President of the ECOWAS Court, His Honor Hannibal Egbe Uwaifo and to the Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of Sierra Leone, His Honor Nicholas C. Browne Marke, adding, we appreciate your coming to share your experiences with us during this important conference.”
“These Conferences are important to assess the state of the nation’s judiciary, and to examine how the justice system and the rule of law are impacting our national polity, and it is my understanding that you have dealt with a range of such legal issues over the last three days,” he noted.
President Weah, has however, registered his regret for being absent from the official opening ceremonies of the conference, due to his engagement on a County tour in Lofa County.
“However, I am glad to be able to join you here today for this particular segment of the conference that concerns the interaction of the judiciary and the business and investment climate,” added the Liberian Chief Executive.
He said as the branch of Government constitutionally empowered to interpret the constitution and the body of statutes enacted by the National Legislature, the Judiciary sits at the center of Liberian society.
Among other things, president Weah noted that the “law is what the Judiciary says it is, through the court system extends all the way to the nation’s venerable Supreme Court, which ultimately has the final say.
