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ADNews-Monrovia, Liberia: The President of the Liberia National Bar Association (LNBA), Cllr. Bornor Varmah has reaffirmed the Bar’s unwavering commitment to promoting the rule of law, enhancing public legal education, and strengthening collaboration between the judiciary, government, and civil society.
By: Benjamin Quaye Johnson benjaminqjohnson@gmail.com
Speaking Thursday morning on the Liberia Broadcasting System (LBS), Cllr. Varmah outlined a comprehensive vision to improve legal awareness, institutional governance, and access to justice across the country. His remarks come amid growing concerns about public distrust in the legal system and the rise of extrajudicial actions.
Highlighting one of the Bar’s key priorities, Cllr. Varmah emphasized the urgent need for public legal education.“Many of our people still do not fully understand their legal rights and responsibilities, which contributes to misinformation and, in some cases, vigilante justice,” he said.
To address this gap, the LNBA has launched multiple initiatives aimed at educating the public. These include partnerships with the University of Liberia Law School and the Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law, weekly radio discussions on stations like OK FM, and a planned collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to support wider legal awareness campaigns.
“We are targeting schools, communities, and media platforms to promote civic education and respect for the law, especially in rural areas,” Varmah noted.
The LNBA President also reaffirmed the Bar’s commitment to maintaining a constructive and respectful relationship with the judiciary, particularly under the leadership of Chief Justice Sie-A-Nyene Yuoh.“We may not always agree, but our shared mission is justice and upholding the Constitution. The Bar and the Bench must continue to work together in the public interest,” he said.
Cllr. Varmah also acknowledged ongoing collaboration with the Ministry of Justice, including on a recently launched witness protection program, which he described as “crucial for safeguarding democracy and citizen safety.”
The LNBA is undertaking internal reforms aimed at building a more inclusive and efficient institution. Cllr. Varmah announced that several key committees have been restructured, and that the Bar is actively engaging lawmakers to revise the 1907 Act that established the Association.
He also revealed ongoing construction of the LNBA’s new national headquarters on the Robertsfield Highway, calling it a “symbol of our long-term vision and institutional strength.”
Cllr. Varmah disclosed that the LNBA is working closely with international partners, including USAID, to address systemic legal issues such as prolonged pretrial detention. A current project targeting overcrowding at the Monrovia Central Prison has already shown promise, he said. “We believe the international community can continue to play a supportive role in Liberia’s legal sector,” Cllr.Varmah added.
With increasing reports of mob violence and a lack of faith in formal justice mechanisms, the LNBA is launching a national civic campaign against vigilante justice.“No one has the right to take the law into their own hands,” Cllr. Varmah stated
firmly. “We are urging citizens to report grievances to the police and courts, not the streets.”He also stressed the importance of legal literacy campaigns in schools and public institutions to help foster a culture of law and order.
Cllr. Varmah called on members of the Bar, government officials, civil society, and ordinary citizens to join in safeguarding Liberia’s democracy. “The LNBA will remain independent, professional, and committed to justice. We must all work together to ensure the law serves the people, not just in principle, but in practice,” he said.
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