-As It Cracks Down On Other School Activities
By Jerromie S. Walters
Monrovia, Liberia – The Liberia National Police says it will deploy officers across all 15 counties to monitor and regulate graduation ceremonies, and WASSCE celebrations, and strictly enforce a ban on street parades during school gala days, according to a joint announcement today by the Ministry of Education and police authorities.
An MOE-LNP release dated June 18, 2025, reads: “Any school, organization, or group found in violation will be held accountable in accordance with national law and Ministry regulations, subject to legal penalties outlined in the Ministry of Education Annual Academic Calendar. Effective immediately, graduation and WASSCE completion celebrations will also be monitored and regulated by the LNP.”
According to the release, the police will take strict action against reckless behaviors, including students sitting atop moving vehicles, dancing on cars, or engaging in any activity that endangers lives.
This decision comes as a response to growing concerns over student safety, public disturbances, and repeated violations of the Ministry’s clearly outlined regulations in the 2024/2025 Academic Calendar.
Over the years, unauthorized and disorderly street parades involving minors have led to preventable injuries, traffic hazards, and disruptions to public order. Despite repeated reminders, some schools have continued to organize such activities, necessitating stronger enforcement measures.
The Ministry and the LNP clarified that the ban does not prohibit celebrations entirely but instead encourages schools to hold parades and festivities in safe, controlled environments such as sports pitches, town halls, stadiums, or other designated open spaces. These venues provide a secure setting for students to celebrate their academic achievements without risking accidents or unruly behavior.
“To clarify, this is not a complete ban on celebratory activities. Schools are encouraged to organize parades and celebrations in safe, controlled environments such as sports pitches, town halls, stadiums, or other large open areas. These venues help ensure that students can mark important milestones without exposure to traffic hazards or disorderly conduct,” the release states.
The enforcement measures are backed by legal provisions under the Liberian Constitution (Article 15), the Penal Law (Sections 17.3 and 17.4), and the Liberia Education Reform Act of 2011, which empower the government to take necessary actions to ensure public safety and lawful conduct.
The Liberia National Police will deploy officers in all 15 counties to monitor and prevent unauthorized street parades linked to school celebrations. Any school, organization, or group found violating the ban will face legal consequences in accordance with national laws and Ministry regulations.
Dr. Jarso Maley Jallah, Minister of Education, and Hon. Gregory Coleman, Inspector General of the Liberia National Police, emphasized that these measures are not intended to suppress celebrations but to ensure that students mark their academic milestones in a safe, orderly, and respectful manner.
They called on school administrators, parents, and students to cooperate fully with the new enforcement measures, stressing that the protection of children and the promotion of a secure learning environment remain top priorities. The statement concluded with an appeal for collective responsibility in upholding law and order while safeguarding the future of Liberia’s youth.
