NATIONAL NEWS
MONROVIA – The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection has strongly dismissed allegations contained in a widely circulated article accusing the institution of releasing confidential statistics regarding prostitution and child exploitation in Liberia.
In a statement issued over the weekend, the Ministry responded to an article titled “DAYLIGHT FOR SALE: LIBERIA’S ONLINE PROSTITUTION BOOM AND THE MINISTRY THAT WENT DARK,” authored by Phillibert S. Brown and shared on Facebook.
By: Trokon S. Wrepue – trokon1992seokin@gmail.com
According to the Ministry, the article falsely claimed that official sources within the Ministry estimated the number of sex workers in Liberia at 1,822, while allegedly admitting that the actual number could be three times higher, including children as young as 11 involved in prostitution in Monrovia.
The Ministry categorically denied ever releasing such figures or providing confidential information to the journalist.
“The Ministry did not release such information, nor did it provide any confidential data or official sources to Mr. Brown,” the statement emphasized, rejecting what it described as “false claims and misrepresentation” contained in the publication.
The Ministry further argued that while Liberia continues to face serious social and economic challenges affecting women and girls, it is inaccurate and unfair to portray the Government as unconcerned or inactive in addressing those issues.
Officials highlighted several ongoing interventions aimed at supporting vulnerable women, children, and families across the country through partnerships with development organizations, local NGOs, and community groups.
Among the initiatives mentioned was the Liberia Women Empowerment Project, through which the Ministry said 227 women-led businesses have already received grants and business support. According to the statement, the initiative has directly benefited 6,611 people, including 5,370 women, with more than US$708,967.50 disbursed to support women’s economic empowerment and livelihood programs nationwide.
The Ministry also disclosed that an additional 128 women-led enterprises have signed agreements to receive another US$350,000 in grants expected to benefit over 3,100 people, most of whom are women.
In addition, the Ministry pointed to the REALISE Project, which it said is assisting approximately 16,000 extremely poor and food-insecure households in Grand Bassa, River Cess, River Gee, and Grand Kru Counties.
Under the project, vulnerable households receive support to invest in agriculture, education, small businesses, and other income-generating activities aimed at improving living conditions and reducing poverty. Authorities noted that 16,586 households have already benefited from cash transfers under the initiative, exceeding the project’s original target.
The Ministry also acknowledged the role of several women-led non-governmental organizations working in collaboration with the government to conduct awareness campaigns discouraging exploitation, harmful practices, and other forms of vulnerability affecting young women and girls.
According to the statement, these interventions form part of broader national efforts focused on addressing the root causes of vulnerability by strengthening community protection systems, expanding economic opportunities, and promoting informed and dignified life choices for women and girls.
The Ministry maintained that the programs are already producing measurable impact in vulnerable communities across Liberia.
At the same time, the institution urged journalists and media practitioners to exercise responsible journalism by ensuring that reports on sensitive social issues are grounded in verified facts and accurate information.
The Ministry specifically called on Brown and other media actors to focus on constructive advocacy, public education, and awareness initiatives rather than what it termed “blame games” that do little to solve the challenges confronting vulnerable populations.
“The media remains a powerful tool for social transformation and should be utilized to inspire hope, promote accountability, and support national efforts aimed at protecting, empowering, and uplifting women, children, and disadvantaged populations,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, the Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Liberia’s social protection systems, protecting women and children, supporting vulnerable households, and creating opportunities for economic empowerment and independence nationwide.
