By: P Uriah Suah
suahuriah86@gmail.com
Ganta, Nimba County – The Country Director of the All Nations International Development Agency (ANIDA), Rev. Abieso Gono, has expressed disappointment in the Liberia National Police (LNP) Ganta detachment for failing to provide security during the local observance of the International Day of the African Child, held annually on June 16.
Speaking during a morning appearance on Radio Kergheamahn’s Breakfast Show, Rev. Gono described the police’s absence as unacceptable and a disregard for the safety and rights of children. According to him, ANIDA had officially written the LNP requesting security for the event, which involved schoolchildren marching through the streets of Ganta to raise awareness on issues affecting African children, particularly in the education sector.
Rev. Gono noted that he personally delivered the invitation to the Ganta Police Commander and received verbal confirmation that officers would be assigned. Despite this, no police officers showed up on the day of the event, leaving children—most of whom were minors—without state security as they navigated busy streets. The organization’s instructional staff and accompanying school representatives were left to handle traffic control and ensure the children’s safety during the march.
The situation escalated when participants visited the Ganta Police Station to perform a brief display, expecting an opportunity for police engagement. However, no formal recognition or response was given by the police, further intensifying the organization’s concerns over the level of disregard shown.
In response to the allegations, the Commander of the Ganta General Police Depot, Christopher Monsuo, admitted that Rev. Gono had informed him about the event and that a follow-up call was made. He cited a busy schedule and simultaneous operations around the city as reasons for the absence of officers. He also stated that after seeing the group depart the police compound, officers were later dispatched to follow the procession, but by then the main activity had passed.
The Day of the African child is a global event part of community awareness about children’s rights and education in Africa, but the incident has sparked criticism over the LNP’s level of coordination and responsiveness to civil society activities involving vulnerable populations.
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@DN News Liberia
@Wilmot Dadekolly Konah
