By: Linda Gbartie
MONROVIA: Judges who are tasked with the responsibility of dispensing justice have been urged to strive to ensure that justice is administered fairly by upholding the rule of law.
The call was made by Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Annual African Regional Group Conference held on Monday, May 6, 2024, in Monrovia.
The 2024 Annual African Regional Group Conference is being organized and hosted by the National Association of Trial Judges of Liberia under the theme: “The Judiciary in Contemporary Times: Dispensing Justice in the New Information Age.”
Delivering a Special Remark at the opening of the Conference, Vice President Koung disclosed that he was delighted by the theme of the Conference, emphasizing that today, across the African Continent, society is being shaped by the advent of the new information age.
He indicated that with the digital revolution reaching some of Africa’s most remote villages, information emanating from their respective capital cities has become accessible to people faster than ever before.
Vice President Koung believes that the use of various social media platforms has created a digital townhall where the views and aspirations of most citizens are being echoed.
According to him, the new information age has also generated exposure and connections to the rest of the world, as such, the new dispensation places a great onus on the judicial systems across Africa.
He also mentioned that in order to maintain a government that works in the interest of its people, it must be accountable to the people as they strive to build institutions which promote equity, opportunity, and to uplift nearly the 1.5 billion people on the African Continent out of poverty.
Additionally, the Liberian vice leader highlighted that the Judiciary which is responsible to dispense justice should remain consequential to accountability of a government to its people.
“You judges, who are tasked with the responsibility of dispensing justice, must ensure access to an independent judiciary that guarantees the protection of the rights of all under the law,” the Liberian VP stressed.
Vice President Koung assertedc that when the rule of law is not upheld, it breeds discontent which in turn, may lead to disruption and instability.
“It follows, that your role as judges remain critical to the functioning of a society, particularly in this new information age,” he noted.
Vice President Koung asserted that President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s leadership has declared the implementation of the rule of law as one of its pillars for governance, as enshrined in the ARREST Agenda’.
He vowed that the government will continue to support the Liberian Judiciary to safeguard adherence to the rule of law and the equitable dispensation of justice.
Vice President told participants at the occasion that stimulating and robust deliberations are anticipated at the Conference which he believes will share experiences and recommend best practices.
He, at the same time, welcomed the Leadership and members of the African Regional Group of the International Association of Judges to the beautiful City of Monrovia, Liberia’s Capital, and also thanked the National Association of Trial Judges of Liberia for organizing and hosting the conference.
