By: Jallah Crawu |Gbarpolu Contributing Reporter
Gbaryama town, Bopolu district, Gbarpolu County |April 02, 2026| A meeting was held recently in Gbaryama town to address a traditional issue; where twelve (12) women of various ages, have been captured to establish a Sande Bush School, defying the government order that no one should establish Bush school until further announcement from national government.
The gathering brought together traditional leaders from nearby towns, the culture inspector for Gbarpolu County, and also the native Superintendent, Chief Yarkpawolo Clan.
In a welcoming message, Mr. Moses Thompson, speaking for the elders, youths, and women of Gbaryama, thanked the Gbarpolu Local Government and the Gbarpolu Traditional Council for engaging the community in seeking a peaceful resolution.
During the meeting, an in-person assessment confirmed that twelve women were being held in one house.
Culture Inspector Ma Zoe Tokpa reminded the attendees that the government has issued a stay order prohibiting all Bush school activities in Liberia.
She stated that neither the Gbarpolu County Traditional Council nor the local government intends to defy national policy, and they cannot guarantee Bush school activities in Gbarpolu.
Meanwhile, Ma Kerma Sirleaf, traditional female head of Gbaryama town, explained that there has been no formal initiation.
But she said that the twelve women are currently staying together and are appealing to the Liberian government and the county administration to grant them more time to establish the Bush school, arguing that these individuals have already broken traditional rules.
In closing, Chief Yarkpawolo Clan, supporting the culture inspector, affirmed that Government decisions must be respected to protect local leaders’ jobs and ensure the safety and education of children.
He urged a calm and orderly process, noting that he would communicate officials’ decisions to the people of Gbaryama in due time.
He also asked residents not to take any further steps until he coordinates with the Superintendent of the Gbarpolu County Local Government.
