Gbarnga, Bong County – President Joseph Nyumah Boakai Sr. has assured traditional leaders that their voices will play a decisive role in shaping any reforms to cultural practices, following the conclusion of the National Assembly of Chiefs and Tribal Governors in Gbarnga.
The president recently proposed legislation aimed at eliminating what he described as harmful practices within the culture sector. However, during the gathering, several chiefs expressed concern, insisting that their cultural traditions should remain intact.
In a brief interview after the assembly, President Boakai clarified that his intention is not to dismantle Liberia’s cultural heritage.
“We will not consciously eliminate our culture,” he said. “We know the traditional culture has kept us up to where we are. And for all countries, the culture represents you.”
He emphasized that traditional leaders have the right to express their views on the future of Liberia’s cultural identity and assured them that the government will work collaboratively with them.
“The traditional people have the right to express their feelings about what they want their country to be,” President Boakai noted. “And we all will work with them on this.”
He added that while the government may propose reforms, “the ultimate decision rests with our traditional leaders.”
The National Assembly, which brought together chiefs and tribal governors from across the country, concluded with ongoing discussions about how to balance cultural preservation with national efforts to curb practices deemed harmful.
