By: Sampson W Weah – sampsonwweah7@gmail.com
MONROVIA – The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection has strongly condemned the recent graduation of 502 girls from a Sande Bush in Konia, Lofa County, describing it as a clear violation of the national ban on harmful traditional practices, including Female Genital Mutilation.
A video circulating on social media shows young girls seated on the ground, singing and clapping, while elderly women in traditional attire dance around them in celebration. A narrator in the footage announces, “The final graduation celebration here in Konia town, 502 of them graduating today.”
According to the Ministry, the ceremony directly breaches the Temporary National Ban on Sande Bush activities, which came into effect on April 30, 2025, and remains in force until January 2026.
The ban, established in collaboration with the National Council of Chiefs and Elders, seeks to protect minors, uphold children’s rights, and prevent cultural practices from undermining education and overall well-being.
MoGCSP described the mass graduation as a significant setback to recent efforts aimed at raising awareness and fostering national dialogue to eliminate harmful practices. The Ministry emphasized that FGM offers no health benefits and results in permanent physical, emotional, and psychological harm.
It also contravenes Liberia’s obligations under international human rights treaties, including the Maputo Protocol and the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
The Ministry welcomed the swift disciplinary actions taken by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, including the suspension of Paramount Chief James Tarnue of Lorma Chiefdom and Clan Chief Bigboy Kokulo of Zeyeama Clan for their roles in the event.
MoGCSP reaffirmed its commitment to implementing the National Roadmap to End FGM and continues to collaborate with traditional leaders, civil society organizations, and development partners.
It also expressed strong support for a draft FGM Bill currently being developed by the Female Lawyers Association of Liberia, describing it as a crucial step toward cultural transformation and the protection of girls’ rights.
The Ministry concluded by urging all communities and national leaders to unite in the fight against harmful traditional practices to ensure the safety, dignity, and future of Liberian girls.
