By: Melvin Flomo
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Capitol Hill, Monrovia – Associate Justice-designate Boakai Kanneh has made a bold call for a complete rewrite of Liberia’s 1986 Constitution, stating that the document has become outdated and inadequate in addressing the nation’s current governance realities.
Appearing Tuesday before the Liberian Senate Committee on Judiciary for his confirmation hearing, Kanneh argued that the Constitution, though once a guiding framework for democratic order, now contains several obsolete provisions that hinder the country’s progress. He said Liberia’s evolving political and legal landscape demands a modern constitutional document.
“There are provisions in the Constitution that are no longer applicable or relevant to today’s Liberia,” Kanneh said. “A total rewrite is necessary to ensure that the Constitution meets the current governance demands of the country.”
He emphasized that such a reform would not disrupt the structure of government but rather enhance democratic institutions and bring national laws in line with present-day realities. According to Kanneh, Liberia must embrace reform if it is to solidify the rule of law and ensure a justice system that reflects contemporary values.
The Associate Justice-designate further assured members of the Senate that, if confirmed, he would perform his duties on the Supreme Court bench with the highest level of impartiality, professionalism, and fidelity to the law. He said his judicial philosophy centers on fairness, constitutionalism, and justice for all.
Kanneh’s call for constitutional reform comes amid ongoing national debates about governance, decentralization, and legal reforms. His statement is likely to spark discussions among lawmakers, civil society actors, and the wider public on the future of Liberia’s supreme law.
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