–Urges Commitment, Dedication, Hard work and Professionalism at All Times
–As LRC Awards Honorees for Invaluable Services
After serving at the helm of authority at the Law Reform Commission (LRC) for nine years, the former Chairman of the LRC and now Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of Liberia, Cllr. Boakai N. Kanneh on Friday, August 22, 2025, handed over mantle of authority to the Vice Chairman of the Commission, Cllr. Felecia V. Coleman, who now serves as Acting Chairman of the LRC.
At the farewell and hand over program of former Chairman Boakai N. Kanneh and former Commissioner Cllr. Ruth Jappah Samukai on Friday, August 22, 2025, first stated his elation for his tenure at the LRC and then his mixed feelings regarding his departure from a group of professionals he had work along with for nine years (2016-2025).
Former Chairman Kanneh recalled when he took over the mantle of authority at the LRC, it was a herculean task for him to walk in the shoes of former Chairmen and Associate Justice Philip A.Z. Banks and Dr. Cllr Jallah A. Barbu. He noted stepping up to walk in their footsteps was a challenge but he had the conviction that he would make it because ‘what has done man can still do’.
He then urged the current hierarchy of the LRC led by Vice Chairman Felecia V. Coleman as Acting Chairman and the staff to remain focused, committed, dedicated and hard-working, stressing “No matter what the situation you must do your best as people will watch you.”
Former Chairman Kanneh, now Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of Liberia reiterated that the work of the Law Reform Commission is enormous and will need adequate funding for the Commission to implement its programs and Strategic Plans in keeping the its Statutes. He stated that he is not leaving the LRC but is only transitioning to a different Institution of the State, where the LRC can knock on his doors for any support and advice in keeping with it works.
He assured that he and former LRC Chairman, Dr. Cllr. Jallah A. Barbu of the Office of the War and Economic Crimes Court in Liberia (OWECC-L) have decided that together they will continue to find a way support the LRC achieve its objectives it was established to do. “We are a family and remain a family at the LRC. Continue to bear patience and do your best because people are watching.”
Farewell Program
Also speaking the program, the former Commissioner of the LRC, Cllr. Ruth Jappah Samukai appreciated the LRC staff and hierarchy for the number of years they worked together in carrying out the statutory mandate of the Commission.
She said her memories during her tenure at the LRC are so many and though she is moving to the Central Bank of Liberia as the Chief Legal Counsel, her nine years of service at the LRC will remain in her due to the comradery, and also stated there were some internal rift as it at every institution but those were not major happening to derail the works of the LRC during her time at the Commission.
Cllr. Jappah-Samukai told staff of the LRC that her doors will always be opened for any support and advise inline with the works of the Commission once her expertise is needed to assist. She then urged every staff of the LRC to always strive to improve themselves in whatever they are tasked to do and must ensure to do their best at the fullest.
Earlier, the Acting Chairperson of the Law Reform Commission, Cllr. Felecia V. Coleman on behalf of the hierarchy and staff of the LRC honored and awarded former Chair Kanneh and former Commissioner Jappah-Samukai for their invaluable services to the Commission during their nine years of work.
Cllr. Coleman averred that both Associate Justice/former Chair Kanneh and former Commissioner Jappah-Samukai will be remembered for their invaluable services and contribution to the LRC. She noted despite the difficult challenges encountered during their time the two former LRC top-notch officials left indelible marks in regards to their duties as Chairman and Commissioner respectively, adding, “they will highly be missed by the staff and everyone at the Commission.”
In awarding the Plaque as a symbol of recognition for their diligence, hard work, dedication, commitment and professionalism over the years, Acting Chair Coleman said the Plaque given by the LRC to the honorees is to show appreciation of the Commission for the services rendered. She wished both honorees, Associate Justice/former Chairman Kanneh and CBL Chief Legal Counsel/former Commission Jappah-Samukai continuous joyous paths in their new professional sojourns after serving the LRC with profound diligence.
Departments Laud Honorees
Speaking on behalf of the Administration Department of the LRC, the Executive Director Cllr. Ramses T. Kumbuyah applauded the honorees for their hard work in keeping the Commission active and dutiful during the nine years of service. “It is important to recognize people who work hard and you are good examples of leaders who have worked harder to keep the LRC moving despite the difficult challenges it encountered during that time, but you kept your focus to lead this noble technical legal institution to another level.”
Cllr. Kumbuyah told the two former Chairman and Commissioner that things improved remarkably during their tenure with, working conditions improved despite the constraints and challenges but they are hopeful that things will get better during the current administration of president Joseph Nyuma Boakai.
He assured the two former LRC officials that the current team at the LRC will ensure that the work left behind will continue so as the make the Commission what it should be in keeping its statutes. Cllr. Kumbuyah lauded former Chairman Kanneh for his consolation throughout his tenure as he was available to provide leadership and lead way in the discharge of the duties of the Commission.
As for Atty. Joe Trokon Bryant, representing the Codification on behalf of his supervisor, Atty. Martu Gray Chengbe, noted it was a bitter-sweet situation to bid farewell to two leaders of the LRC who were remarkable in the line of duty. He hailed former Chairman Kanneh for nurturing staff of the Codification Section of the LRC during his time of service. Atty. Bryant averred it was also a sweet moment because the two former LRC hierarchy officials were moving to a bigger platform respectively to serve their nation, and the Codification Section wishes them all of the best in their new portfolios. “Thanks for the indelible services. You always encouraged us to do better in whatever we are asked to do. Those encouraging moments will be missed but we will not hesitate to knock on your doors in need for your usual professional counsel.”
The Gender and Human Rights Section was represented by Cllr. T. Celestine H. Howard, who on behalf of her supervisor, Cllr. Deddeh K. Zaza, also paid homage to the two former officials of the LRC for their profound services. Cllr. Howard stated that they were happy for the two former LRC officials because God has given them another opportunity to move on and serve their country at different levels. She urged them to continue to do their best because they are impeccable professional who have proven over the years that they capable at all times to serve with distinction, professional and honor for their country.
Speaking on behalf of the Procurement Section, Ms. Rachel G. Saywah expressed how joyous they are to see their former bosses ascending to higher position in the Judiciary and a senior management position at the Central Bank of Liberia respectively. “I just want to be happy. I am happy and overjoyed for what the Lord has done for our two former bosses. Whenever you have an opportunity to serve do it well.” He noted that the invaluable torturing lessons and pieces of advice they received from former Chairman Kanneh always inspired to do better in whatever task they were asked to perform. Ms. Saywah expressed gratitude to him for a boss who wanted to see his staff improve and growth professionally.
Finance Department was represented by LRC Comptroller, Atty. Zackeriah G. Moiseemah, who him added to the honors that were bestowed on former Chairman Kanneh and former Commissioner Jappah-Samukai. “We at the Finance Department are very grateful for the time that we worked together at the LRC. Whenever we had a piece job to do, you would encourage us to work harder and do it on time because that shows that your effectiveness. We appreciate your counsel in the discharge of our respective duties and you never one day doubted us because you believed in us that we have the capabilities to perform and with your advice we did perform. We will miss that, chief.”
Commenting further, Atty Moiseemah iterated that former Chairman Kanneh was a boss at the LRC who always wanted to see his staff develop and strive for higher heights professionally. “You are a humble leader who was a servant not just a boss at LRC as you demonstrated humility to the staff and always encouraged us to do better by saying: “whenever you are have a piece of job to do, do it better because people are watching. These motivating words left indelible marks in our hearts and we will miss, Chief. Go and serve well.”
The LRC Comptroller also praised former Commissioner Ruth Jappah Samukai for her role at the Commission where she headed the Gender and Human Rights Department. He said her doors were always opened when called upon in the interest of the LRC and her valuable services will highly be missed. He wished her well in her new endeavor as Chief Legal Counsel at the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL).
Meanwhile sections of the LRC, including Resource Center, Drivers, Maintenance and Reception also spoke in one accord to laud the former LRC officials for their dedicated and professional services to the Commission. The wished them well in their new professional sojourns.
