MONROVIA – The devastation being unleashed by what has become a clear and present danger to current and future generations of Liberians—the raging drug epidemic—is claiming the attention of all Liberians. And like the scourge of any pandemic, the drug situation in the country is invoking uncontrollable emotions and sentiments amongst the populace, causing nervousness and conceptual volatility. It is not a surprise therefore that there would be a level of misunderstanding and impatience towards evolving strategies proffered by those who are directly caught in the frontline of the country’s anti-drug fight. LDEA’s Deputy Director General for Administration has found himself in a similar crossfire, as a section of the local media a while ago lifted their bullets at him. Seemingly calm and measured, he’s not come back with venom, but with an easy-to-grasp response to what appears to the media’s misunderstanding of his recent remarks at the famous MICAT Press Briefing. The Analyst reports.
The Liberia Drug Agency has professionally reacted to two publications it considers a misunderstanding of its Deputy Director for Administration’s remarks at a recent MICAT Press Briefing, portrayed as condemning the political system of the day.
The media unity of the LDEA has issued a corrective rejoinder, stating that “it is imperative to clarify the misrepresentation of Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) Deputy Director Gwee K. Porkpah’s comments regarding the Agency’s efforts in combating drug abuse and trafficking.”
“The headlines were a far cry from the context and intent, thus therefore begging clarification,” the LDEA said in a statement, adding that the narrative being spun by some news outlets not only distorts the truth but also undermines the critical work being done by dedicated public servants.
Acknowledging that the optics are nationally high, and emotions bellowing due to the ranging spike of the drug pandemic, coupled with its visibly ruinous effects as seen in our streets and communities, the LDEA said “we understand there are temptations for citizens, including the media, to speak to, and report on, the prevailing anti-drug discourse out of utter sentiments.”
Charging anger and emotions only tends to blur the focus on the real issue, particularly so given the gullibility of the populace. Let’s stick to the truth of issues, the Agency said, asserting that “Every sincere reporter would note that the recent comments made at the MICAT Press Briefing, Deputy Director Porkpah’s actual statement highlights a systemic issue that has plagued the LDEA for years,” and that he was not making any political comparison as was communicated by some media houses.
The LDEA said its DDG for Administration had only pointed out that the situation during his tenure under President Sirleaf was relatively easier to deal with, as far as the country’s drug and substance abuse condition concerned, than during the days of the immediate successor’s political era at which time those who headed the LDEA saw themselves as ‘mere political appointees” and diverted from its core mandates as professionals.
The statement added: “The LDEA’s history shows a stark contrast between the professional approach of the 2006-2017 period and the challenges faced from 2018 to 2023. Currently, the current team at the LDEA has inherited a system that requires significant reforms and improvements. That’s exactly what the LDEA deputy Director General was saying, which was grossly misrepresented despite all the impressive shifts and reforms being experienced at the Agency underpinned by the unmatched political will of President Boakai”.
At the moment, the statement said DDG Porkpah told the nation during the MICAT Press Briefing that the LDEA’s current leadership is working tirelessly to rectify the issues created by their predecessors, and that the new efforts include rebuilding the Agency’s Capacity by investing in training and equipping agents to handle the complexities of drug enforcement; rebranding the institution by enhancing transparency and accountability, and fostering community engagement which entails building partnerships with local communities, NGOs, and international partners to develop united front against drug abuse.
“Unfortunately, we note that some media outlets have chosen to misrepresent the LDEA official’s comments, perhaps due to oppositional biases. This misrepresentation not only undermines the agency’s efforts but also tick confusion amongst the public,” the media unit of the LDEA, which made it clear that such a politicization of the LDEA would compromise its effectiveness and integrity, for the attempt by some media houses to take Deputy Director Porkpah’s comments out of context is not only misleading but also detrimental to the national effort to combat drug abuse.
“By framing his remarks as a critique of the current administration, these news outlets divert attention from the real issue at hand: the fight against drugs being a national imperative that transcends political divides,” the LDEA further.
The LDEA also pointed out that “It is crucial for all Liberians, including the media, to recognize drug abuse as a national issue that requires collective effort and cooperation, and that the politicizing the fight against drugs only serves to weaken the progress that can be made when we work together towards a common goal.
“To ensure the LDEA’s effectiveness in fighting drug abuse is the responsibility of all Liberians, including the media,” said the LDEA, further indicating that the fight against drugs in Liberia should not be a political football but that it requires a united front, where all stakeholders work towards a common goal of protecting our communities and future generations.
The Agency stated: “Let’s focus on building a robust and effective system that can tackle drug abuse head-on, free from the influences of political opportunism and shenanigans, for the LDEA’s fight against drug abuse is a complex and ongoing effort. By acknowledging the challenges and progress made is more honorable and not a trigger for politicization. The option is for us all work towards a more effective and sustainable solution.”
“Let’s support the LDEA’s efforts and encourage accurate reporting to ensure the public receives a clear understanding of the issues at hand,” it asserted, adding that “Now that we have set the record straight and emphasized the need for a unified approach, we can now move on to refocus the conversation on what truly matters: combating drug abuse for the betterment of Liberia. And the media is most welcomed to the worthy national initiative.”