The Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection (MoGCSP) strongly condemned the inhumane and unlawful treatment of Ms. Korto Vangbana, a 38-year-old mother of five, who was tied and physically assaulted in Ballah Baloma Town, Ballah District, Gbarpolu County, on August 24, 2025.

The Ministry views this act as a gross violation of her human rights and a direct affront to the dignity of all women and girls in Liberia.

According to reports, Ms. Vangbana was publicly beaten and tied under the rain, alongside her baby, on the orders of a traditional leader only identified as Mr. Togba, for allegedly failing to participate in a town cleaning activity.

The survivor, who was on her farm on the day of the exercise, had previously informed town authorities of her Christian faith and her decision to refrain from traditional practices. Despite her clear explanation and constitutional right to religious freedom, she was subjected to cruel and degrading punishment.

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Upon receiving the report, the Ministry immediately took action to ensure the safety and well-being of Ms. Vangbana and her children. She was placed under protective care at the police station in Bopolu City, while the perpetrator, Mr. Togba, was taken into police custody as investigations continue.

Ms. Vangbana has been given initial psychosocial support at the police station. Through collaboration with ActionAid Liberia, arrangements have been made to transport the survivor and her children to Monrovia, where they will be placed at a Safe Home for comprehensive care and protection.

The Ministry has also formally engaged the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Internal Affairs to ensure the survivor's protection and to pursue full legal accountability for the abuse. Coordination is ongoing with partners, including the Women NGO Secretariat of Liberia (WONGOSOL), to provide continued psychosocial support, shelter, food, and empowerment assistance to Ms. Vangbana and her children.

For her part, Gender Minister, Hon. Gbeme Horace-Kollie said: "This case underscores the urgent need to eliminate harmful traditional practices that endanger the rights, safety, and dignity of women and girls."

"The Ministry reminds all communities and leaders that no tradition or local rule supersedes the rights enshrined in the Constitution of Liberia and international human rights conventions."

Minister Horace-Kollie urged the public to utilize the GBV 116 toll-free hotline to report all forms of abuse against women, children, and other vulnerable groups.

She emphasized that no woman should ever be subjected to such degrading and inhumane treatment, regardless of tradition or belief.

Meanwhile, the Ministry remains committed to protecting and empowering all survivors of gender-based violence and ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable under the law.