By: Stephen S. Acquoi I
Traditional leaders in Bomi County are calling on the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs, and Tourism (MICAT) to designate Behsao Town, located in Zephe Clan, Senjeh District, as the national headquarters for traditional culture in Liberia.
During a recent meeting in Behsao Town, Minister of Information, Cultural Affairs, and Tourism Jerolinmek Piah was urged by local traditional leaders to consider the proposal.
Ma Kubono, a renowned traditional singer from Bomi County, highlighted Behsao’s historical significance, noting that it was the second traditional center in Liberia before the 14-year civil war.
Eminent traditional leader Dolomark Talimala Fahn also emphasized the importance of preserving cultural practices, pointing out that the first national traditional center in Kanajar was destroyed during former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf’s administration.
He appealed to the government to recognize Behsao as the new cultural center of Liberia.
Hawa Williams Scott, head of traditional ladies in Behsao Ward, stressed that making Behsao the cultural headquarters would not only preserve cultural heritage but also create job opportunities for traditional dancers, benefiting the youth population.
Sonnie Brown, a former traditional dancer from the Behsao cultural group, provided a brief history of prominent Liberian presidents who were part of the Behsao traditional society.
He mentioned that former Presidents Edwin J. Barclay and William Richard Tolbert were initiated into the Behsao Bush in 1978.
Despite previous appeals to former Presidents Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and George M. Weah, the leaders remain hopeful that current President Joseph Nuymah Boakai will support their request to transform Behsao into the national traditional culture center.
