To Enhance Legal Recognition
By Alfred Kollie, alfredkolliejr92@gmail.com
Monrovia, Liberia – To strengthen the recognition of legal unions across the country, the Liberian government, through the Ministry of Internal Affairs, has officially launched a new initiative by unveiling 20,000 traditional marriage certificates.
The ceremony, which took place recently, was attended by various dignitaries, including representatives from the US and German embassies near Monrovia.
Deputy Minister for Administration, now Acting Minister Samuel F. Brown announced that the new certificates include traditional marriage certificates priced at USD 75, divorce certificates at USD 100 bachelorhood certificates at USD 25, and spinsterhood certificates at USD 25, Of the fees collected for marriage and divorce certificates, $50 and $75 respectively will be deposited into the Liberia Revenue Authority account, while the remaining funds will support the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
Minister Brown revealed that the initiative to print the additional certificates followed extensive discussions with business partners and recognized the pressing need, as the ministry previously had less than 200 marriage certificates available nationwide.
The overall cost for printing the 20,000 certificates amounted to $40,000, provided without any financial support from the Ministry for production or transportation costs.
In his remarks, Brown assured the public of the Ministry’s ongoing commitment to contribute to Liberia’s national budget.
He emphasized that the success of this initiative was made possible through collaboration with business partners and the legal section within the Ministry.
Cllr. Losene F. Bility, the Assistant Minister for Legal Affairs, provided insights on the certificates, underscoring their significance within both the legal and social fabric of Liberia.
He noted that the first recorded traditional marriage in Liberia dates back to March 23, 1940.
Representing the US Embassy, Consular Chief Madam Pamela Hamblett-Slowey praised the Ministry for this pivotal initiative, stating that its success reflects the success of all Liberians and encouraged continued collaboration with the embassy.
The launch marks a significant stride towards enhancing the legal recognition of marital unions in Liberia, aiming to support the national budget while catering to the needs of citizens.