—Heritage rights group slams attack on Grand Gedeh culture
IPNEWS: The rights group, Liberia Heritage Advocates (LHA), has condemned what it calls the bastardizing of one of Liberia’s precious cultural practices, the celebratory powdering of gusts and achievers.
This admirable traditional ritual is mainly found in Grand Gedeh County or among the Krahn ethnic group of Liberia wherever they are found.
It is a hospitable practice through which sweet powder, or sometimes smooth white or grey ashes are sprinkled on the forehead or shoulders of important guests, heroes, heroines and great achievers in so many respects, as a way of hailing their feats.
LHA said recent developments in Grand Gedeh County where some people, with no scientific evidence, legal proof, or traditional grounds, are accusing some of their kinsmen of bewitching the fallen Representative Erol Madison Gwion with the traditional hospitality powder, have the propensity to destroy this unique and beautiful cultural practice by demonizing it to other people in Liberia, Africa and from other parts of the world.
The group asserted that why it joins the bereaved family, people of Grand Gedeh and Liberia to mourn the shocking demise of a great statesman in Honorable Gwion, it is dangerous and unacceptable for some people, with apparent political motives, to designate one of the country’s rich cultural practices as a medium of witchcraft without any scientific, traditional or legal evidence.
LHA expressed fear that, if not checked, this unwarranted action by some misguided individuals to incite the unsuspecting citizens against their own precious heritage, put them against each other, and draw them into violent acts, could have a long-lasting negative connotation on the county, and could also scare away people from other parts of the country and the world, including potential tourists.
The CSO movement also condemned those spreading dangerous rumors and promoting trial by ordeal, thus inciting anxious and angry citizens to deepen disunity, envy and detraction by attack their kinsmen and their properties in the county.
The group expressed sadness that at a time when the entire county must come together to pay due respect to their leader and one of their brightest sons, some insensitive individuals would choose to play politics and undermine the home going of a man who spent his life fighting for, and serving his people.
LHA termed as shameful and distasteful, the actions of some selfish and shortsighted individuals to play politics in time of mourning and sober reflection in their quest to gain political relevance at the expense of the dead.
The civil society group, in extending its condolences to the bereaved family and the Legislature, described the late Representative Erol Madison Gwion as a dedicated and humble public servant whose contribution to his people and country would forever be remembered.
Meanwhile, the Liberia Heritage Advocates is calling on the Ministries of Justice, Internal Affairs and the House of Representatives to work along with Honorable Gwion’s family and bring to light his cause of death so as to ease tension and possibly institute the necessary actions required under the law against those spreading rumors and chaos in the county without any substantial grounds.
Grand Gedeh County District #1 Representative died on December 4, 2023, in Accra, Ghana, following a period of illness.
