Multi-Sectoral Committee on Drugs Briefs Public on Progress -Says Country’s Anti-Drug Fight Gaining Ground

By George C Flomo 

MONROVIA – The Government of Liberia’s multi-sectoral approach to combating drugs and substance abuse is taking gradually shape with new interventions, rehabilitation programs, and nationwide assessments, according to updates provided at Thursday’s Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism (MICAT) press briefing.

The Committee chaired by the Ministry of Health and co-chaired by the Ministry of Justice, includes the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, the Liberia Drugs Enforcement Agency (LDEA), and the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning.

The committee was set up by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai following his declaration of drugs as a national emergency.

Providing the lead update, Montserrado County Health Officer, Dr. Jewel Tarpeh Kollie, said Liberia’s anti-drug fight is “gaining ground” under the Ministry of Health’s leadership.

She noted that a comprehensive anti-drug action plan has been finalized, targeting both the demand and supply sides of narcotics.

As part of the strategy, Community Anti-Drug Action Teams have been established to mobilize local leaders, civil society groups, and security agencies in grassroots interventions.

Currently, a temporary rehabilitation center in Johnsonville is hosting more than 115 disadvantaged youth undergoing detoxification and counseling.

Dr. Kollie disclosed that plans are underway for a permanent rehabilitation facility. She also revealed that over 600 young people have already benefited from inpatient and outpatient programs run in collaboration with Lady of Light.

Deputy Minister for Youth Development, Layramond, stressed that addressing drug abuse is vital to restoring resilience, trust, and hope among Liberia’s young people. He announced that training centers in Montserrado and Bomi Counties are undergoing renovations to provide both rehabilitation services and vocational skills training.

According to him, nearly 200 youths voluntarily surrendered following a drug raid in King Gray and have since been relocated to the Johnsonville facility, with food and logistical support provided by the Ministry of Commerce and partners.

He admitted that challenges remain “huge” but emphasized that rehabilitation remains voluntary, calling on citizens and the media to support the process and avoid spreading misinformation.

Also speaking, Deputy Minister for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Laraamand Nyonton, described the anti-drug fight as “the beginning of a new chapter” for many young people.

“Our role at the national taskforce is to ensure that we provide technical and program support to rehabilitation and TVET-related services offered at the Ministry of Youth and Sports,” Nyonton explained.

He disclosed that the ministry had been actively engaged with the taskforce at both the technical working group and steering committee levels.

The ministry participated in drafting the national master plan and carried out two major assessments last year—one at the Youth Agriculture Training Center (YATC) in Bentol, rural Montserrado, and another at the Clay Agriculture Vocational Training Center in Bomi County.

Nyonton said the assessments were significant because they identified potential rehabilitation centers in different regions of the country. Based on the findings, the Ministry of Youth and Sports has already begun renovation of the boys’ dormitory at YATC, costing about US$200,000, which will be dedicated in the coming week.

He also revealed that the United Nations system in Liberia (One UN) has expressed interest in supporting the rehabilitation process. Through the Ministry of Health, the UN will fund the construction of a clinic and finalize renovation works at YATC, including the boys’ dormitory. Once completed, only the recreation center will remain under renovation.

The officials reiterated that the government’s drug fight is a national effort, requiring the collective engagement of ministries, partners, civil society, and ordinary citizens. With rehabilitation, vocational training, and community involvement being prioritized, the multi-sectoral committee expressed confidence that Liberia is moving toward a more sustainable solution to one of its most pressing national emergencies.