Monrovia – The National Civil Society Council of Liberia (NCSCL) has called on President Joseph Nyuma Boakai to immediately suspend the Deputy Minister for Youth Development at the Ministry of Youth and Sports (MYS) Bryant McGill, who is facing allegations of rape.
Deputy Minister McGill is accused of statutory rape for allegedly having sexual affair with 14-year-old minor. The victim (name withheld) is the daughter of an employee at the Ministry.
In a statement released Friday in Monrovia, the Council said the accusation against Deputy Minister McGill is troubling, particularly given the government’s stated commitment to fighting sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and especially so, the position he occupies in government.
“The National Civil Society Council of Liberia urges President Boakai to, with immediate effect, suspend Mr. Bryant McGill pending the outcome of the ongoing investigation. Taking this step is crucial to protecting the integrity of the investigation and to maintaining public trust in government institutions,” the statement read.
“Government officials should be held to a higher moral and ethical standard. While we respect the principle of due process, it is imperative that the accused steps aside during the investigation to avoid any perception of interference or influence,” the Council emphasized.
The Council pointed out that rape remains one of the most widespread human rights violations in Liberia, undermining the dignity and safety of women and girls across the country.
NCSCL warned that the credibility of the administration’s stance on SGBV would be severely questioned if decisive actions are not taken against officials accused of such crimes.
The Council further called on the Liberia National Police and the Ministry of Justice to conduct a thorough, impartial, and timely probe into the allegation.
NCSCL, which is the umbrella organization for all civil society organizations in the country, also urged the government to ensure that the alleged survivor receives adequate protection and psychosocial support.
Civil society organizations have long been vocal about the prevalence of rape in Liberia. In 2020, widespread protests by women’s rights groups pushed the government to declare rape a “national emergency,” a move that raised expectations for stronger accountability.
Among other things, the Council warned against attempts to politicize or downplay the matter, stressing that justice must be pursued regardless of the official’s status.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Youth and Sports has confirmed that Deputy Minister McGill is undergoing police investigation over allegation of sexual misconduct involving the minor.
“We take these allegations with the utmost seriousness, as they center on the fundamental principles of justice, integrity, and the safety of our citizens, particularly young people.”
“The Ministry will remain in close communication with the Liberia National Police as their investigation unfolds and reaffirms its full commitment to cooperating with law enforcement to ensure a thorough, impartial, and transparent process.”
“The Ministry reaffirms its commitment to upholding the law, safeguarding the integrity of public service, and protecting the well-being of all individuals, especially the youth we serve.”
The accused has meanwhile requested a leave from the Ministry on the back of the allegation and investigation.
“To ensure the investigation proceeds without any perception of influence, the Ministry has accepted and is forwarding to the office of the President, Hon. J. Bryant McGill’s request for a leave of absence, effective immediately, until the matter is resolved,” a MYS statement added.
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