Liberia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs has issued stern warning to local government officials or any persons who henceforth fail to exercise responsibility for the “positive use” of the country’s cultural practices.

The Ministry said it has observed that in several local government areas, culture and tradition have been used to intimidate and harass peaceful citizens and residents. It said

such ugly practice has resulted into the violation of people’s freedoms of movement and association.

The Ministry has criticized the practice, and described it as an improper use of the Liberian culture.

The ministry’s warning was contained in a press release issued in Monrovia on Monday. The ministry said it expects local government officials to desist from the practice of using cultural practices or rituals to intimidate and harass peaceful citizens and residents.

The ministry further said in the release that it hopes local government officials would work alongside with the central government to ensure that the values of Liberian culture are promoted and respected.