By Lincoln G. Peters
The Ministry of Justice has prolonged its profound appreciation to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., for the well timed and strategic appointment of the Chairman and all Members of the Board of Parole.
Talking in an unique interview with the Director of Press and Public Affairs of the Ministry of Justice, Jutonu Y. Kollie, on August 9, 2025, he mentioned that the choice represents a pivotal development in strengthening Liberia’s legal justice system.
Offering the importance of the choice, he identified that it’s additionally a part of broader efforts to deal with the longstanding challenges of jail overcrowding and reform throughout the justice sector.
In line with him, the reconstitution of the Board of Parole completes a crucial element of Chapter 41.3 – Group of the Division of Corrections, which was included into Half IV of the Felony Process Regulation and contains the Bureau of Correctional Establishments, the Bureau of Probation, and now, a totally useful Board of Parole.
“This transfer underscores the federal government’s unwavering dedication to justice reform, rehabilitation, and the humane remedy of inmates. The Ministry warmly welcomes the newly appointed members: Mr. Stanley J.W. Cooper I, Chairman, Mrs. Ne-Suah Beyan Livingston, Member, and Prof. Atty. Kpaderson Sumo, Member.” He said.
Traditionally, the Board of Parole was established by the 1969-70 Act of the Legislature that created the Division of Corrections throughout the Ministry of Justice. Its operations have been severely disrupted throughout Liberia’s civil battle. The collapse of correctional infrastructure and the absence of parole mechanisms contributed to systemic congestion in detention amenities nationwide. Though post-conflict reforms between 2010 and 2012 laid the groundwork for its revival, full implementation remained a persistent problem till now.
Mr. Kollie lamented that with the appointment of its management, the Board of Parole is poised to guage eligible inmates for conditional launch based mostly on rehabilitation and public security, cut back overcrowding in correctional amenities by means of structured reintegration packages, promote restorative justice, and uphold human rights throughout the penal system.
“The Ministry of Justice views this improvement as a historic milestone in Liberia’s journey towards a contemporary, rights-based correctional system. It additionally aligns with President Boakai’s broader imaginative and prescient for a responsive and accountable governance framework that prioritizes the dignity of all residents. We reaffirm our dedication to supporting the Board of Parole and name on all stakeholders, together with judicial actors, civil society, and worldwide companions, to collaborate in making certain its success.” He concluded.-Edited by Othello B. Garblah.
