She replaces Francis Saye Korkpor who retires this month after reaching the constitutional limit of 70 years.

Justice Youh becomes the third female chief justice in Liberia's 175 years of existence and the first since 2003.

The judiciary has remained tight-lipped on her age.

She ascends to the top of the judicial system barely 13 months to the next presidential and general elections.

Justice Youh was one of two female judges currently in the five-member Supreme Court.

Criminal court judge Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay, a man, has been nominated to replace her at the court.

Liberia's previous two female chief justices were Frances Johnson Allison and Gloria Musu Scott.