The National Civil Society Council of Liberia (NCSCL) has welcomed President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s decision to suspend Deputy Minister for Youth Development, Ministry of Youth and Sports, Bryant McGill, following an allegation of statutory rape involving a 14-year-old minor.
In a statement released Thursday in Monrovia, the council praised the President’s action, describing it as a demonstration of his government’s seriousness in tackling sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and upholding accountability in public service.
“The National Civil Society Council of Liberia applauds President Boakai for taking decisive action by suspending Mr. Bryant McGill pending the outcome of the on-going investigation. This is a bold step toward safeguarding public trust, protecting the integrity of the investigation, and reinforcing the government’s commitment to fighting SGBV,” the council said.
The council underscored that, while due process must be respected, public officials accused of crimes of such grave nature must not remain in office during investigations.
“Government officials should be held at a higher moral and ethical standard. The President’s action sends a strong message that no one is above the law, and that the dignity and safety of women and girls must be protected at all costs,” NCSCL emphasized.
Rape, the council pointed out, remains one of the most rampant human rights violations in Liberia, undermining the dignity, security and future of women and girls across the country.
NCSCL urged the Liberia National Police (LNP) and the Ministry of Justice to conduct a thorough, impartial and speedy investigation into the allegation, while ensuring that the alleged survivor receives adequate protection and psychosocial support.
At the same time, the council warned against any attempt to politicize or downplay the matter, noting that justice must be pursued irrespective of the accused’s position in government.
The umbrella body of civil society organizations recalled that, in 2020 women’s rights groups staged nationwide protests that led the government to declare rape a “national emergency”, raising expectations for stronger accountability measures in addressing sexual violence.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Youth and Sports has confirmed that Deputy Minister McGill is undergoing police investigation over the allegation. The Ministry noted that McGill himself had requested a leave of absence to avoid perceptions of interference, a request that was forwarded to the Office of the President.
NCSCL then urged the Unity Party-led government to ensure that the suspension is not just procedural, but backed by genuine accountability that restores public confidence in the government’s fight against SGBV.