MONROVIA, September 4 (LINA) -The Ministry of Internal Affairs has suspended Poro and Sande activities during the period of the State of Emergency to concentrate on the fight against the Ebola virus.

According to the Communication Consultant at the Ministry, Emmanuel Wenyou, the ministry has put a halt to the practice to prevent the spread of the Ebola disease among those who are initiated in the practice.

He regretted that even though the order was given about a month ago, there are reports that Poro and Sande society initiations are continuing.

Wenyou made the statement Thursday in a telephone interview on UNMIL Radio in Monrovia, following media reports that operators of the Poro and Sande ocieties in Lofa and Bomi counties are continuing their activities which, he noted, undermines government’s effort to fight Ebola .

He disclosed that the ministry has given a two-week ultimatum to all Poro and Sande operators across the country to immediately halt their activities until the battle against the Ebola disease is won.

He threatened that after the two-week ultimatum any violator would be arrested and prosecuted for not adhering to government's mandate to prevent the spread of the Ebola virus in the country.

Wenyou pointed out that the ministry has written the Liberia Traditional Council, the Assistant Minister for culture and all superintendents to ensure that Poro and Sande societies are halted for now as Liberians struggle to contain the disease .
LINA CB/TSS/PTK