By Pewu Y. Sumo
Monrovia, Montserrado County – The mother of a 14-year-old girl allegedly raped by former Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports J. Bryant McGill is calling for justice for her daughter.
Speaking today, September 30, 2025, at the LNP headquarters, Madam Trocon Smith, who was escorted by women from the Women In Peace Building Network (WIPNET), said that since the alleged incident, she has been seeking police intervention for justice, but to no avail.
“Since this thing happened to my child, no step the government is taking,” Madam Smith said.
According to Madam Smith, the issue of daily transportation to move from place to place is a serious challenge. She added, “Whole day transportation, the police have not given them update yet. Now I don’t have money, I need people to help, so I went to these women (WIPNET) to help me because I tired passing around and I need justice for my daughter.”
Madam Smith noted that since the incident, her 14-year-old daughter is yet to go back to school or her community due to the stigma of the rape.
“Now as we are speaking, the little girl is not in school. She cannot go back to the school; she cannot go back to the community because people will be mocking her. That is the reason I came here this morning.”
Speaking further, Madam Smith clarified that due to no action from police authorities over the matter, she went to the WIPNET women to help her because she really needs help.
“Now my daughter is traumatized, I need help, I need the government to do something about it. That’s the reason I am here this morning,” Madam Smith said in a very sorrowful tone.
It can be recalled that earlier this month, renowned Liberian lawyer and Criminal Justice Expert Cllr. Taiwan S. Gongloe blasted the government for not detaining former Deputy Youth and Sports Minister J. Bryant McGill over the rape allegation of a minor.
Citing Article 11(c) of the Liberian Constitution, Cllr. Gongloe said there should be equal protection for every Liberian.
“The same way you treat people from West Point or Soniwein when they are accused of crime is the same way you treat high officials of government,” Cllr. Gongloe blasted.
Cllr. Gongloe said all suspects of crime must be treated the same, noting that, “The situation of Deputy Minister McGill undermines the ‘R’ in the ‘ARREST’ agenda. It undermines the rule of law. I am calling on the police to immediately arrest Deputy Minister McGill. He should be a former deputy Minister,” Cllr. Gongloe emphasized.
Days later, following the statement from Cllr. Gongloe, President Boakai dismissed McGill as Deputy Minister for Youth Development at the Ministry of Youth and Sports and subsequently replaced him.
However, since news of the alleged rape by McGill, he is yet to be jailed for the act, which has led to public outcry across Liberia. Different women’s groups have staged protests in demand of justice, with some women vowing to carry out a citizen’s arrest on McGill for the heinous act.
About the Author
