Africa-Press – Liberia. Minister Jones (left) stated that Liberia, under President Boakai’s leadership, has made tremendous progress in addressing outstanding community payments that had lingered for several years.
MONROVIA — The Deputy Minister of Finance for Administration, Bill McGill Jones, has reaffirmed the Government of Liberia’s steadfast commitment to meeting its financial and legal obligations under the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Speaking on behalf of Finance and Development Planning Minister Augustine Ngafuan at the opening of the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice Outreach Program held at the Ministerial Complex in Congo Town, Deputy Minister Jones outlined Liberia’s renewed dedication to its ECOWAS responsibilities and praised the administration of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., for ensuring that the country is up to date on its community levy payments.
Minister Jones stated that Liberia, under President Boakai’s leadership, has made tremendous progress in addressing outstanding community payments that had lingered for several years. He explained that except for historical arrears that predate the current administration, Liberia is now in full compliance with its ECOWAS financial obligations for both 2024 and 2025, thanks to the fiscal discipline and reform-oriented approach of the government.
“Since the ascendancy of President Boakai, the issue of community payments has become a thing of the past,” Deputy Minister Jones said. “Except for arrears owed for many years, which our government has prioritized through the FY2025/2026 budgetary appropriation, we can proudly say that Liberia is in full compliance with the 2024 and 2025 ECOWAS community levy payments.”
He emphasized that Liberia’s commitment goes beyond financial compliance and extends to supporting the broader vision of ECOWAS, including its judicial arm, the Community Court of Justice. Minister Jones reaffirmed that the government would continue to uphold the principles of justice, democracy, and the rule of law that underpin ECOWAS’s mission.
He pledged that Liberia would not only continue to pay its dues on time but also respect and adhere to the rulings of the ECOWAS Court, which he described as an essential institution for regional justice and integration.
The Deputy Minister lauded the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice for bringing its outreach program to Liberia, calling the initiative a significant opportunity to deepen citizens’ understanding of the Court’s work and its vital role in protecting human rights across West Africa. He explained that the outreach program serves as a bridge between the Court and the people, helping to raise awareness of the Court’s mandate, jurisdiction, and procedures.
“Despite the important contributions of the ECOWAS Court of Justice, many citizens remain unaware of its mandate, jurisdiction, and procedures,” Minister Jones observed. “These outreach initiatives will bridge that gap by engaging citizens, legal practitioners, civil society organizations, and the media to enhance public understanding and access to justice.”
As ECOWAS marks its 50th Anniversary, Minister Jones described the occasion as a time for reflection and renewal of commitment among member states to the principles of justice, accountability, and integration.
He underscored that regional cooperation can only be meaningful when member countries commit to the enforcement of the Court’s decisions and maintain full compliance with community obligations.
“All of these aspirations will not be realized unless we commit to enforcing the Court’s decisions and maintaining full compliance with our community levy obligations,” he noted, stressing that Liberia remains determined to do its part.
Minister Jones also used the occasion to advocate for increased representation of Liberians in key ECOWAS positions, saying that the country possesses qualified professionals with the expertise and integrity necessary to contribute meaningfully to the regional organization. He pointed out that just as Liberia fulfills its obligations faithfully, ECOWAS should also recognize the need to ensure equitable participation by all member states, including Liberia.
“While this current administration is committed to fulfilling its legal and financial obligations, ECOWAS should prioritize Liberians in key positions like other member states,” Minister Jones emphasized. “Liberia has the human resource capacity to adequately assist the functioning of the regional body.”
Deputy Minister Jones reaffirmed that Liberia’s partnership with ECOWAS remains firm and grounded in shared values of peace, justice, and regional unity. He said the Boakai administration views regional cooperation as central to Liberia’s long-term growth and will continue to align its national policies with ECOWAS’s vision of economic prosperity and integration for all member states.
“The Government of Liberia is committed to ensuring that our engagement with ECOWAS is not only about compliance but about contributing meaningfully to the advancement of regional justice, human rights, and economic integration,” Minister Jones concluded. “We will continue to honor our obligations, strengthen our partnerships, and stand firm in our support for the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice and the ideals it represents.”
The outreach event brought together high-ranking Liberian officials, members of the judiciary, legal practitioners, and representatives of civil society. The program aims to strengthen the relationship between the Court and member states by increasing awareness of the Court’s role in ensuring justice and upholding the rights of citizens within the ECOWAS community.
For his part, the President of the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice, Honorable Justice Ricardo Cláudio Monteiro Gonçalves, commended Liberia for its hospitality and unwavering commitment to regional justice and integration.
He praised Liberia as one of the few member states to have fully ratified all key protocols establishing and expanding the Court’s mandate, including the 1991 Protocol, the 2005 Supplementary Protocol, and the 2006 Protocol.
“Liberia deserves recognition and commendation for its leadership,” Justice Gonçalves stated. “Your country’s ratification of all the protocols governing this Court demonstrates a firm commitment to the rule of law, regional justice, and cooperation.”
Justice Gonçalves called for stronger collaboration between national institutions and the ECOWAS Court to ensure that justice is accessible to all citizens in the region. He noted that such cooperation is vital for the promotion of peace, stability, and sustainable development across West Africa.
The event was graced by several dignitaries, including Chief Justice His Honor Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay, Associate Justices of the Supreme Court of Liberia, the leadership of the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice, Deputy Foreign Minister Dr. Ibrahim Nyei, and other senior government officials.
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