PHOTO: National Association of Prosecutors President, Cllr. Adolphus Karnuah
By Garmah Never Lomo, garmahlomo@gmail.com
Morale in Liberia’s judicial system seems to be wearing thin by the day.
The problem of unpaid salaries is not only affecting the courts but also prosecution Lawyers at the Ministry of Justice.
Now, the National Association of Prosecutors of Liberia (NAPL) has threatened to boycott the November Term of Court, if the government of Liberia through the Finance Ministry fails to uphold the promises made to them in a meeting held with members of the Association.
In a written communication addressed to Justice Minister, Cllr Frank Musa Dean, the association cited unpaid salaries and benefits that state prosecutors should receive in order to adequately carry out their functions.
Cllr. Musa Dean, Justice Min. Finance Min. Samuel Tweah
Addressing the Minister in a letter dated November 1, 2022, the president of NAPL, Cllr Adolphus Karnuah called on the Liberian government to fulfill its request as was negotiated in a recent meeting.
At the meeting, the government is said to have promised to provide vehicles for County prosecutors in the various counties, and at the same time increase the salaries of prosecutors across the country.
“The current salaries of State prosecutors are unrealistic and unacceptable and the body have resolved that salaries of prosecutors be increased to commemorate the herculean work and task associated with prosecution” Karnuah noted.
Cllr. Karnuah has also lamented that the government should urgently address the issue of six (6) prosecutors who were admitted as Cllrs at law, urging that their status be improved, in order to accommodate their role.
The head of state prosecutors also said if their request is not granted, prosecutors across the country will stay away from the court’s term this November.
In May of 2021, state prosecutors again boycotted the May A.D term of court opening due to the reasons mentioned above. State Prosecutors In Liberia Threaten Another Go-Slow Action Over Pay, Logistics – News Public Trust
“As failure for those demands to be met, prosecutors under this banner will engage in the boycott of courts across the country,” he said.
The head of state prosecutors called on the Minister of Justice to communicate with relevant agencies of government responsible in order to address their request.
Meanwhile, the National Association of Prosecutors of Liberia says it is available to discussion that will lead to a resolution of their concerns being raised.