By: Archie Boan
President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. has suspended the Deputy Minister for Youth Development at the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Mr. Bryant McGill, following an investigative report published by Verity News that uncovered allegations linking him to the rape of a minor.
The report, which drew public attention and outrage, detailed accounts surrounding the alleged incident and raised questions about the government’s response to sexual and gender-based violence cases involving public officials.
In a statement released Wednesday the Executive Mansion, President Boakai emphasized that the decision to suspend Deputy Minister McGill is consistent with his administration’s zero-tolerance policy toward sexual and gender-based violence. The President further assured the public of a “fair and transparent investigation” into the allegations.
“This action demonstrates our government’s unwavering commitment to protecting the rights of women and girls in Liberia,” the statement read. “No one is above the law, and justice will take its course.”
Deputy Minister McGill will remain suspended until the conclusion of the investigation. Meanwhile, civil society organizations, including advocacy groups against sexual violence, have welcomed the suspension but are calling for swift prosecution to ensure accountability.
The case continues to draw national attention, with activists urging the government to send a strong message that abuse of power and sexual violence will not be tolerated under any circumstance.
