The Chairman-Designate of the Law Reform Commission (LRC), Cllr. Bornor M. Varmah, has vowed to ensure that the commission becomes a conduit for transforming the legal system into a responsive instrument for justice, development and good governance.
Cllr. Varmah also vowed to ensure that the Law Reform Commission becomes a catalyst for legal modernization and a pillar of Liberia’s democratic governance. He noted that the Law Reform Commission, established in 2011 by an Act of National Legislature, is a critical institution in the legal architecture, as it was created to ensure that laws remain relevant, accessible, just, and reflective of the values and aspirations of the Liberian people.
The legal luminary made the assertion on Monday, October 27, 2025 during his confirmation hearing at the Liberian Senate on Capitol Hill.
He observed that, if confirmed by the Senate, his leadership of the commission will be anchored on five priorities: comprehensive review of existing laws, access to justice and equity, codification and simplification of laws, stakeholder engagement and public participation, and institutional strengthening of the LRC.
According to him, many of the nation’s statutes remain outdated, inconsistent, or in conflict with the 1986 Constitution and contemporary realities; as such, he intends to lead an inclusive process of reviewing, harmonizing, and modernizing the laws to ensure they align with Constitutional standards, international obligations, and Liberia’s developmental agenda.
Cllr. Varmah emphasized that the laws must serve all Liberians—men and women, rural and urban dwellers, the educated and the uneducated alike, and vowed to promote reforms that reduce barriers to justice, safeguard fundamental rights, and strengthen the protection of vulnerable groups, including women, children and persons with disability.
The LRC Chairman-designate maintained that, to build public trust and encourage compliance, the law must be clear and accessible. “The Commission under my leadership will prioritize simplifying complex legal texts and translating essential laws into user-friendly formats that ordinary citizens can understand,” he noted.
He underscored that law reform cannot be done in isolation, and pledged to foster close collaboration with the Liberian National Bar Association (LNBA), the Judiciary, the National Legislature, civil society organizations, academia, and international partners. Importantly, he said, the voices of citizens in towns and villages across Liberia must be heard in shaping the laws that govern them.
Cllr. Varmah insisted that, for the commission to deliver on its mandate it must be adequately resourced and institutionally strong. “I will work to improve its research capacity, ensure transparency and accountability, and cultivate a professional environment that attracts and retains skilled legal minds,” he added.
He then respectfully sought the approval and the confidence of the Liberian Senate so that, together, they may advance the cause of justice and ensure that the legal system reflects the hopes and needs of the Liberian people. He earlier extended thanks and appreciation to His Excellency President Joseph N. Boakai for the trust and confidence reposed in him through his nomination to serve as Chairman of the LRC.
Cllr. Varmah has served as President of the Liberian National Bar Association (LNBA), President of the West African Bar Association, and led initiatives to strengthen legal education, enhance access to justice and uphold the rule of law, which are said to have adequately prepared him for his new role at the Law Reform Commission (LRC).
