By Our Reporter | Smart News Liberia
MONROVIA – Amid growing public concern over the welfare of a child allegedly subjected to sexual abuse in the widely discussed Peter Bono Jallah case, the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MOGCSP), through Minister Gbeme Horace-Kollie, has vigorously defended its handling of the matter, maintaining that all interventions were guided by the best interests of the survivor.
The statement, signed by D. Webster Cassell, Communication Specialist for the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MOGCSP), and issued on Friday, June 5, was prompted by social media reports alleging that the child had been abandoned and left without adequate support after being released from government care. The claims reignited concerns about Liberia’s child protection framework and fueled questions over whether adequate monitoring and safeguards were maintained after the survivor was returned to his biological mother.
Seeking to address those concerns, the Ministry maintained that the survivor received extensive medical treatment, psychosocial support, and protective care from the moment authorities became aware of the alleged abuse.
“The Ministry wishes to emphasize that all actions taken throughout this process were guided by the best interests of the child, and the Ministry’s statutory responsibility to safeguard vulnerable children,” the statement declared.
According to the Ministry, a coordinated response involving the John F. Kennedy Medical Center, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Gender, and development partners was immediately activated following reports of the abuse. Authorities said the child underwent a comprehensive medical assessment and received treatment at JFK Hospital for approximately one month.
Following his discharge, the survivor was transferred into the care of the Ministry and placed in a safe home where he reportedly received protection, psychosocial counseling, and continued medical support.
The Ministry further disclosed that during follow-up examinations, the child was diagnosed with appendicitis and was again admitted to JFK Medical Center, where he remained for an additional week before making what officials described as a full recovery.
Throughout the period he remained under government protection, officials said the child benefited from multiple interventions, including rehabilitation-related visits and ongoing case management intended to support his physical and emotional recovery.
However, one of the most closely scrutinized aspects of the case remains the Ministry’s decision to return the child to his biological mother, Ms. Sattarus S. Kennedy, on May 8, 2026.
According to the statement, the transfer occurred after consultations with the Ministry of Justice’s Sex Crime Unit and consideration of confidential factors that have not been publicly disclosed. The Ministry stated that the mother willingly accepted custody and formally signed a handover certificate.
“Upon receipt of the child by his biological mother, the survivor was well and in good health,” the Ministry emphasized.
Officials further noted that SOS Children’s Village committed to providing additional family support following the reunification and that ministry case workers maintained efforts to follow up with the family.
The Ministry also revealed that on May 19, Ms. Kennedy visited its offices to collect personal belongings for the child. During that visit, officials said she did not report any medical complications or concerns regarding the survivor’s condition.
Nevertheless, fresh concerns emerged after a Facebook post circulated on June 4 alleging that the child had been abandoned. The post sparked public outrage and prompted immediate action from authorities.
In response, the Ministry, working alongside JFK Medical Center and the Liberia National Police, dispatched a team to the mother’s residence on June 5 to verify the claims and assess the child’s condition.
The visit, however, produced another development that may fuel public debate. According to the Ministry, the child was not present at the residence when officials arrived. Instead, the mother reportedly informed the team that the survivor was staying with another family member and would be made available for assessment on Monday, June 8.
While the Ministry has sought to reassure the public that the child remains under family care, the revelation that authorities were unable to immediately locate the survivor is likely to intensify calls for greater transparency regarding the case and the monitoring mechanisms employed after vulnerable children are returned to relatives.
The Ministry strongly criticized what it described as the spread of incomplete information and efforts to politicize child protection matters.
“The Ministry further warns against the circulation of one-sided narratives and attempts to politicize sensitive child protection matters,” the statement said.
At the same time, officials encouraged journalists, civil society actors, and members of the public to seek clarification directly from the Ministry before publishing information concerning sensitive child welfare cases.
