Gender Committee Chair Slams WAEC Over Exam Restroom Restrictions; Demands Transparency in US$19M Drug Case
BONG County District No. 6 Representative and Chairperson of the House Committee on Gender, Children and Social Protection, Moima Briggs Mensah, has condemned reports that female students were allegedly denied access to restroom facilities during ongoing national examinations in River Cess County, describing the practice as inhumane and gender-insensitive.
The lawmaker is calling for immediate administrative and disciplinary action against examination supervisors under the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) over allegations that some female candidates were prevented from using toilets during examinations, leaving them unable to properly manage their menstrual hygiene.
Speaking in Monrovia on Thursday, Rep. Mensah questioned the justification for any policy or action that prevents students from attending to basic bodily needs while writing examinations.
She disclosed that she has already engaged members of the House Committee on Education on the matter and that formal communications have been sent to relevant authorities for investigation.
According to the Gender Committee Chair, the education system should promote a supportive and encouraging environment for students rather than one driven by intimidation and excessive restrictions.
She warned that denying female students access to restroom facilities undermines national efforts to improve girls’ education, protect their dignity, and advance gender equality.
Rep. Mensah urged school authorities and examination administrators to adopt practical measures that preserve examination integrity while ensuring students have reasonable access to restroom facilities, including assigning staff members to accompany candidates when necessary.
Calls for Disclosure in Airport Drug Seizure
In a separate development, Rep. Mensah has called on the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) to publicly disclose the identities of individuals allegedly linked to the recent multi-million-dollar drug seizure at Roberts International Airport (RIA) in Margibi County.
The lawmaker made the call after submitting a communication seeking the appearance of LDEA officials before plenary to provide updates on the investigation.
She expressed concern over what she described as delays in releasing information regarding suspects allegedly connected to the drug trafficking case, arguing that the public has a right to know who may be involved in activities that threaten national security and the future of Liberia’s youth.
Rep. Mensah warned that Liberia risks international embarrassment if illicit narcotics linked to the country are intercepted in foreign jurisdictions.
She noted that authorities have routinely disclosed the identities of individuals arrested for smaller drug-related offenses and questioned why a different standard appears to be applied in the airport seizure case.
Citing reports that several individuals were arrested during the joint security operation at RIA, the Bong County lawmaker stressed that justice must be administered fairly and without favoritism.
She called for greater transparency from the LDEA and urged the agency to keep the public informed as investigations continue.
Rep. Mensah also appealed to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai to intervene and ensure accountability within Liberia’s anti-drug campaign.
“Anyone found culpable should face the full weight of the law, regardless of their position, status, or influence,” she maintained.
