Rep. Flomo Pushes Key Cultural Reform Bill

Monrovia, Liberia: Nimba County District #2 Representative Nyan G. Flomo has submitted a bill before the House of Representatives pushing for compulsory cultural education across academic institutions and a national holiday for cultural observance in Liberia.

The lawmaker emphasized that preserving culture in Liberia is a constitutional obligation. He referenced Article 5(b) of the Liberian 1986 Constitution which mandates the government to "preserve, protect, and promote positive Liberian culture".

Representative Flomo argues that Liberia's culture is fading due to adoption of global lifestyle. He said many young people are shifting focus from the values that have long defined the country.

The Nimba County lawmaker emphasized that the pressure Western culture is posing to Liberia's traditional values, can only be revived by putting in place measures that promote cultural and traditional activities in the country.

Nyan Flomo stated that the proposed legislation to introduce cultural studies in schools and designate a holiday to observe the country's heritage, if enacted, will continuously remind citizens of the Liberian society and renew their focus on traditional principles.

Liberian cultural values center on deep respect for elders and community, strong extended family ties, and a blend of indigenous traditions.

Key aspects include prioritizing communal harmony, maintaining religious, and spiritual beliefs (including secret societies), and showing hospitality. 

The lawmaker believes that these principles are no longer felt, saying it is leaving kids growing up with no knowledge of what they should cherish.

"The preservation of our culture is not optional—it is a constitutional duty and a moral imperative. Our young people are becoming disconnected from the very values that define us as a people", he noted.

Submitting the bill on Wednesday, April 15, in section, Flomo says it suggests the second Friday of November each year to be observed as "Liberian Traditions and Heritage Day", as a national holiday.

Further highlighting the nature of the proposal, he said not only should schools introduce cultural studies in their academic lessons, but also set aside a Youth Cultural Week.

He detailed the bill: "The proposed legislation seeks to establish a new national holiday, 'Liberian Traditions and Heritage Day', to be celebrated annually on the second Friday of November, dedicated to showcasing and promoting positive Liberian cultural values".

“Also, it should be compulsory for schools to introduce cultural studies. We must teach our children who they are before the world tells them who to be,” Flomo asserted.

If passed, the bill requires the Liberia Broadcasting System and other public media institutions to air programs that promote cultural awareness, while drawing a firm line against harmful traditional practices. “We are preserving what is good, not what violates human dignity,” he clarified.

He said the implementation of the policy, would be led by the Liberia National Tourism Authority and the Ministry of Information in collaboration with key national institutions to ensure a coordinated national approach to cultural preservation.

Representative Flomo is now calling on his colleagues to act with urgency and ensure the bill is forwarded to the relevant House committee for review.