MONROVIA – Liberia’s Minister of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, Hon. Gbeme Horace Kollie, has submitted a formal request to the Liberia National Police, urging a “swift and thorough” investigation into a rape allegation against Deputy Minister for Youth Development at the Ministry of Youth & Sports, Bryant McGill.
McGill is accused of raping a 14-year-old girl, a case that has prompted a major response from national authorities and underscored the challenges in prosecuting powerful figures. The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection confirmed in an official statement on Thursday that its Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Division is actively involved in the investigation into a sitting Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports.
The Ministry was first alerted to the serious allegation on September 10, 2025. It immediately notified the Liberia National Police’s Women and Children Protection Section (WACPS) and the specialized SGBV Crimes Unit at the Ministry of Justice, triggering a formal criminal probe.
A critical challenge has emerged in the case: the alleged survivor’s father has refused to bring his daughter forward for official care and testimony, despite repeated outreach from the Ministry. He has cited acute fears for his safety and that of his child.
“While we understand the father’s concerns, it is vital for the well-being and safety of the child that she be provided with immediate support,” the Ministry’s statement emphasized. Officials had considered moving the girl to a government Safe Home but stated that without the family’s cooperation, such protective measures are impossible to execute.
In response, a dedicated social worker has been assigned to work alongside WACPS investigators. Authorities are now pursuing alternative evidence, including a review of CCTV footage, to advance the case without immediately compromising the family’s sense of security.
The Ministry has strongly reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy towards gender-based violence, asserting that no individual is above the law. “The safety, dignity, and rights of all children remain paramount,” the statement read. “We remain committed to ensuring that justice is served and that survivors of abuse receive the care and protection they deserve.”
