GoL Reclaims Regional Accountability as Liberia Emerges Frontline Compliant State in ECOWAS
E Geedahgar Garsuah Sr 
MONROVIA, LIBERIA: In the wake of renewed efforts to restore national credibility and regional trust, Liberia has officially confirmed full compliance with its financial and legal obligations to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The announcement coincided with the opening of the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice Outreach Program held on Wednesday, November 12, 2025 at the Ministerial Complex in Congo Town. The initiative is designed to increase public awareness of the Court’s mandate, jurisdiction, and procedures.
Deputy Finance Minister for Administration Bill McGill Jones, speaking on behalf of Finance Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, stated that Liberia has cleared its 2024 and 2025 community levy payments, while long-standing arrears have been prioritized in the FY2025/2026 national budget.
“Under President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Liberia has addressed previous lapses in community payments with budgetary prioritization, the country is now fully compliant with its ECOWAS obligations,” Deputy Minister Jones said.
He added that the government is committed to adhering to all rulings of the ECOWAS Court of Justice and maintaining active engagement with regional institutions.
Deputy Minister Jones described Liberia’s compliance as a critical step toward reinforcing governance, restoring credibility, and strengthening the rule of law in regional affairs.
The ECOWAS Community Court of Justice, established under Articles 6 and 15 of the Revised ECOWAS Treaty of 1993, has expanded beyond inter-state disputes to become a vital human rights tribunal across the region.
Deputy Minister Jones noted that many citizens remain unaware of the Court’s mandate and operations, and said the outreach program provides a critical platform to engage legal practitioners, civil society, media, and the general public.
He further highlighted the need for equitable representation of Liberians in senior ECOWAS positions, stressing that the country has the technical expertise and administrative capacity to contribute effectively to the regional body.
ECOWAS Court President Honorable Justice Ricardo Cláudio Monteiro Gonçalves praised Liberia for its leadership and cooperation, noting that the country has ratified key protocols, including the 1991 Protocol, the 2005 Supplementary Protocol, and the 2006 Protocol.
Justice Gonçalves called for a stronger collaboration between national institutions and the Court to protect human rights, enforce rulings, and advance regional integration.
