MONROVIA, LIBERIA — Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) General Counsel Emmanuel Tomah has pledged to deliver impartial justice and apply the law correctly if confirmed as a relieving judge, telling senators that judicial decisions must be guided by legal principles rather than personal interests or the possibility of reversal on appeal.
Tomah gave the assurance during a confirmation hearing before the Liberian Senate, where lawmakers examined his qualifications, professional experience and readiness to assume judicial responsibilities following his nomination by President Joseph Boakai.
He told the Senate that his decision to accept the nomination was rooted in a commitment to national service, describing judicial work as an opportunity to contribute directly to the administration of justice.
While acknowledging the importance of his current role at the LTA, Tomah said he viewed service on the bench as another avenue to uphold the rule of law and strengthen public confidence in the justice system.
He emphasized that every litigant appearing before him would be entitled to fair treatment and decisions based on the law. He also stressed the importance of explaining the legal basis for rulings, including in cases where the parties may disagree with the outcome.
Tomah cautioned against using the availability of an appellate court as justification for making legally unsound decisions, maintaining that judges must take responsibility for ensuring their rulings are properly grounded in law from the outset.
On the scope of a relieving judge’s authority, he explained that such a judge exercises the jurisdiction of the court to which they are assigned, while certain administrative duties may differ from those of a resident circuit judge.
He assured lawmakers that he would respect the legal boundaries of the position and follow the directives of Chief Justice Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay, adding that he was willing to serve wherever the Judiciary requires him.
Tomah’s professional background includes several years of work in legal practice and telecommunications regulation. Since joining the LTA as a law student, he has served in various capacities, including policy analyst and policy manager, before becoming the authority’s General Counsel.
His responsibilities include providing legal guidance on regulatory matters and ensuring that the institution’s operations comply with applicable laws. He also represents the telecommunications sector on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Subcommittee on Digital Trade, where he said he contributed to the development of the bloc’s Digital Trade Protocol.
Outside government service, Tomah said he has practiced with Heritage Partners and Associates and the Law Chambers of Yonah, Obey & Associates since graduating from the Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law in 2015. He is a member of the Supreme Court Bar.
Beyond his legal career, Tomah highlighted his family’s contribution to education in his home community. He said his father, Peter Tomah, helped mobilize residents approximately 50 years ago to establish the community’s first school.
Tomah expressed gratitude to President Boakai for the nomination, describing it as both an honor and a responsibility. He said that, if confirmed, he would approach the position with a commitment to fairness, sound legal judgment and service to the Liberian people.
The Senate’s confirmation process provides lawmakers an opportunity to assess presidential nominees before they assume their proposed public offices.
