By Emmanuel Mafelah, mafelahemmanuel29@gmail.com
GBARNGA, Liberia- A 16-year-old girl has been rescued from being subjected to early marriage in the central Bong County by the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MGCSP) in collaboration with the Liberia National Police (LNP).
The child is currently sheltering at a safe home where she is being given meaningful care and psychosocial counseling, according to the ministry, while the accused is awaiting trial. The minor is said to be a resident of Banjor.
According to MGCSP Communication Officer, Eri Pervist, the minor was to have been wedded to one Jusu Kenneh, who is said to be a polygamist on Monday, June 8, 2020.
With two wives already, the 16 year old would have become Kenneh’s third wedded wife. The Liberian Children’s Law Act of 2011 prohibits child marriage.
Gender and Children Minister Piso-Tarr
The MGCSP is commending a whistle blower “whose cogent information led to the timely and fruitful intervention”.
It is at the same time cautioning members of the public against interfering with constituted authorities in the discharge of their functions.
Pervist said a team of police and Social Protection unit of the Gender Ministry sent to the Banjor community had been physically confronted by some community members after they stepped in to stop the wedding from on, with one team member (protection officer) sustaining bodily injury.
He said child marriage is unlawful and immoral, and must not be condoned in any form.
He also commended the police for the swift arrest of suspect Jusu Kenneh, while encouraging public report of sexual and gender based cases using their 4455 hotline.