Criticizes Ban on Poro and Sande Societies
VOINJAMA, Lofa County – The Commissioner of Foya District has been publicly condemned by a top government official for enforcing a ban on traditional Poro and Sande societies, characterizing the action as an assault on the region’s cultural heritage.
Yekeh Forkpa Koiyan, Assistant Minister for Small Business Affairs, issued a forceful critique, stating that the Boakai administration must exercise caution to avoid repressing the very traditional communities that contributed to its rise to power.
The Foya District Commissioner’s reaffirmation of a long-standing ban on the operations of the male secret society Poro and the female secret society Sande, which are deeply interconnected with the cultural and social context of numerous settlements in Lofa County, sparked the issue.
Minister Koiyan strongly questioned the government’s position in a statement that sparked a public discussion.
“But you folks supported homosexuals and lesbians? This is an infringement,” Koiyan said, contrasting the government’s alleged position on social concerns with its limitations on customs. “This government has to be careful not to suppress our traditional people who brought her to power.”
“For us, we are traditional children & to come disrespect our parents in this manner is unacceptable,” he said, highlighting his social and personal ties to the cultures being examined.
“We will come up soon in Voinjama District,” the Assistant Minister said in closing, hinting at plans for a public reaction to the ban and warning of possible escalation.
The Poro and Sande societies have historically played crucial roles in governance, education, and cultural preservation in the region. However, they have also faced criticism and legal challenges over certain initiation practices and their influence on modern community life. The situation highlights the ongoing tension between the enforcement of modern governance and the preservation of longstanding cultural traditions in Liberia.
Reported by: Rodri Vibes
