Congo Town – The Ministry of Education (MoE), in collaboration with the Liberia National Police (LNP), has announced the immediate enforcement of a nationwide ban on street parades associated with Gala Day, graduation ceremonies, and WASSCE celebrations. The move comes amid growing safety concerns and increasing incidents of public disorder.
By Jaheim T. Tumu | [email protected]
The crackdown targets spontaneous student processions, many of which have escalated into dangerous activities involving minors riding on top of moving vehicles, obstructing traffic, and in some cases, suffering serious injuries.
Speaking at a joint press conference on Tuesday, Education Minister Jarso Jallah said the Ministry could no longer ignore the risks posed by these unsanctioned celebrations.
“The safety and success of every Liberian child remain our utmost priority,” Minister Jallah said. “Let us work together to foster an environment of order, pride, and responsible celebration.”
She emphasized that all graduation-related activities must now be held in controlled venues such as school campuses, community halls, or stadiums—under strict supervision and subject to Ministry approval.
From Celebration to Chaos
In recent years, WASSCE and graduation parades have become annual spectacles in Monrovia and other urban areas, often featuring students in school uniforms or face paint, dancing in the streets, and blasting music from moving vehicles.
However, what began as festive expressions of academic achievement has increasingly turned into chaos, according to Minister Jallah.
“Dangerous behaviors—such as students riding atop vehicles or dancing on moving cars—will not be tolerated and will result in immediate enforcement actions,” she warned.
This year alone, the LNP has reported at least five incidents involving student parades that led to traffic accidents or confrontations with motorists. In one alarming case, a student in Ganta reportedly fell from a moving vehicle and sustained serious head injuries.
Legal Backing and Enforcement
Minister Jallah noted that the ban is backed by legal provisions, including Article 15 of the Liberian Constitution, Sections 17.3 and 17.4 of the Penal Law, and the Education Reform Act of 2011. These laws mandate the protection of students and the maintenance of public order.
To enforce the ban, police officers will be deployed across all 15 counties to monitor schools and respond to any unauthorized street activity.
“Schools or organizations found in violation of this ban will be penalized in accordance with national laws and MoE regulations,” she said. “Graduation and WASSCE-related celebrations will be monitored closely to ensure full compliance.”
Call for Cooperation
Minister Jallah called on school administrators, parents, and the broader community to support the enforcement efforts.
“We are urging all stakeholders—schools, parents, and students—to take this directive seriously. Non-compliance will result in administrative sanctions and, where necessary, legal consequences,” she cautioned.
She concluded by emphasizing that academic milestones must be celebrated in a manner that reflects discipline, safety, and the dignity of Liberia’s education system.
“Academic achievements must be celebrated in ways that uphold discipline, ensure safety, and reflect the dignity of Liberia’s educational standards,” she said.
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