By: Joseph Kerkula
The Government of Liberia has imposed a fine of Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Liberian Dollars (LRD 250,000) on the Berea Christian Academy of Excellence for administering what authorities describe as unorthodox, harmful, and unacceptable punishment to students at the institution.
The school is located in the Sophie Community, Oldest Congo Town, Montserrado County. The sanction follows preliminary findings from an ongoing investigation into allegations of corporal punishment and physical abuse involving several students.
Government Announces SanctionsSpeaking on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, during the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism (MICAT) regular press briefing in Monrovia, Information Minister Jerolinmek Matthew Piah disclosed that the Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, has taken administrative action against the school and some of its staff.
According to Minister Piah, the following staff members have been banned from all educational activities across Liberia pending the outcome of a comprehensive investigation: Miss Julee Bowee, Principal, Jeremiah Soko, Registrar, Joseph Zayzay, Teacher and Edwin McDonald, Teacher.He said the sanctions are intended to ensure strict compliance with national education regulations and child protection laws.
Minister Piah revealed that investigators confirmed that Roseline Mattaldi, a 10th-grade student, along with seventeen other students, were subjected to physical abuse and corporal punishment, practices expressly prohibited under Liberia’s child protection laws and educational guidelines.
Preliminary findings indicate that multiple staff members were directly or indirectly involved in the violations, raising serious concerns about the school’s disciplinary practices, administrative oversight, and student safety.
As part of ongoing efforts, the government will conduct a comprehensive, first-hand assessment of the academy’s learning environment, administrative structure, operational policies, safety protocols, and compliance with child protection standards.
“It is important that every learning environment in Liberia remains safe, child-friendly, and aligned with our national educational and child protection frameworks,” Minister Piah emphasized.
The latest development follows an earlier decision by the District Education Officer, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, to order the closure of Berea Christian Academy of Excellence on December 15, 2025, after the initial reports of abuse surfaced.
The Government of Liberia has reassured the public of its commitment to protecting the rights, dignity, and well-being of all students and vowed to hold accountable any institution or individual found in violation of the country’s education and child protection laws.
