PHOTO: Liberian Vice Pres. Koung speaking at the EJS Ministerial Complex
By Garmah Never Lomo, garmahlomo@gmail.com
Monrovia, Liberia- The Liberian Vice President, Jeremiah Kpan Koung cautioned Justice Actors to execute the principles, which underpin the rule of law must ensure access to an independent Judiciary that guarantees the protection of the rights of all under the law.
Speaking at the opening of the International Association of Judges week-long conference in Monrovia on Monday, May 6, 2024, Vice President Koung said expressed that where the rule of is not upheld, it breeds discontent which in turn may lead to disruption and instability.
According to the Liberian Vice President, the role of judges, remain critical to the functioning of a society particularly in this new Information Age.
He added that Liberia under the leadership of President Joseph Nyumah Boakai, he declared the implementation of the Rule of law as one of its pillars for governance as enshrined in the ARREST Agenda, which includes the rule of law.
“Our government will continue to support the Liberian Judiciary to safeguard the adherence to the rule of law and the equitable dispensation of Justice,” VP Koung added.
“We anticipate stimulating and robust deliberation at this 2024 Annual Regional Group of the International Association of Judges which will share experiences and recommend best practice in dispensing justice in the new Information Age,” he added.
The ongoing African Regional international judges conference is being organized under theme: Judiciary in Contemporary Times: Dispensing Justice in the New Information Age.
The Liberian Vice President said: “Today across the African continent, our society is being shaped by the advent of the New Information Age with the digital revolution reaching some of our most remote villages, information emanating from our respective capital cities has accessible to our people faster than even before.”
He concluded by saying that the use of various social media platforms has also created a digital town hall where the views and aspirations of most of our people are being echoed adding that the new Information Age has also generated exposure and connection to the rest of the world.
For her part, ECOWAS Ambassador Josephine Nkrumah said it is important for Justice actors to cope with the new Information Age in dispensing justice.
Ambassador Nkrumah added that the new Information Age is gradually taking over and no one is exception to that.
“Dispensing justice will help people to feel save in the new Information Age,” she stated.
At the opening of the conference, the President of the National Association of Trial Judges of Liberia (NTJL), Judge Nancy Sammy recognized the array of Judges and other personalities from around the world, as she delivered a special message.
The ongoing conference has many presenters who were assigned various topics to make presentations, which will thereafter be followed by questions and comments from the audience.