Cllr. Tiawan Gongloe has called for the dismissal and subsequent prosecution of Deputy Youth and Sports Minister J. Bryant McGill, for allegedly raping a minor. He said the delay of justice undermines the government’s rule of law component of the “R” in the ARREST agenda.
Speaking Monday, September 15, 2025 in Monrovia, Cllr. Gongloe wants Minister McGill to be arrested and treated like any other suspect, as the crime of statutory rape is equally serious as murder under the Liberian law. According to him, he was shocked and angry over the rape allegation, emphasizing the Deputy Minister’s role in youth development and the seriousness of the crime.
The political leader of the Liberia People’s Party (LPP) also highlighted the accused’s exceptional treatment, which, according to him, undermines the rule of law and equal protection under the law. “During my time as Solicitor General, I remembered where a high-profile suspect was arrested and treated equally under the law. So, there should be no exception as in the case of J. Bryant McGill,” he stated.
Cllr. Gongloe narrated that if the accused (Minister McGill) is not held accountable for his actions, it will hurt investment and tourism. However, despite a release from the Minister of Youth and Sports, Gongloe told journalists that the government is proceeding wrongly, stressing that the accused minister should have been charged and indicted by now.
Moreover, the political leader of LPP explained the importance of time in legal proceedings and the need for immediate action to maintain public trust. Also, Cllr. Gongloe has called on the justice ministry to ensure the criminal justice system acts credibly and that no one is above the law.
He recommended that the deputy minister be immediately arrested and detained to demonstrate the equal application of the law. Recently, Deputy Youth and Sports Minister for Youth Development, J. Bryant McGill, took a “leave of absence” after being accused of sexually assaulting a minor and misusing funds intended for a drug-dependent youth program.
The Ministry of Youth and Sports said McGill requested leave “to avoid any perception of interference” with the investigation. His request has been forwarded to President Joseph Boakai’s office. The ministry pledged full cooperation with the police and urged the public and media to allow the process to proceed without interference.
