Desmond Gbeleh Wion
Monrovia, Liberia – In a decisive move to tackle the growing crisis of drug trafficking and youth addiction, the Government of Liberia, through the Ministry of Health, has launched a comprehensive substance abuse volunteer training program. This initiative seeks to equip volunteers with the necessary skills to support ongoing efforts in combating drug-related challenges and mitigating the adverse effects of substance abuse among young people.
Drug proliferation has remained a persistent issue for successive Liberian governments, leading to a surge in addiction cases and an increase in the number of young people, commonly referred to as “Zogos,” who find themselves trapped in the cycle of substance abuse. Former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf’s administration implemented reform policies to curb drug trafficking, but the challenge persisted into the tenure of former President George Weah, during which Liberia was often labeled a “drug state.” Now, under the leadership of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, the government is taking a new and inclusive approach to making Liberia a drug-free nation.
A Strategic Approach to Drug Prevention
The training program brings together key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), community-based anti-drug organizations, healthcare professionals, and youth advocates. The initiative is designed to enhance public awareness, strengthen grassroots intervention efforts, and improve mechanisms for identifying, reporting, and assisting individuals struggling with drug addiction.
The Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency is responsible for cracking down on drug importers, traffickers, and users, while the Ministry of Youth and Sports plays a pivotal role in providing technical skills training for recovering addicts undergoing rehabilitation.
Speaking at a government press briefing, Deputy Minister of Information, Daniel Sando, emphasized that addressing substance abuse requires a multi-faceted approach rooted in interagency cooperation. “Empowering volunteers with the right knowledge and skills will create a strong network of advocates committed to reducing the prevalence of drug abuse and its devastating effects on the youth,” Minister Sando stated. He further highlighted that the government intends to decentralize the program, starting with Montserrado, Grand Bassa, and Margibi counties in the first phase.
Impact on Youth and Society
The rising cases of drug addiction among Liberia’s youth have become a major societal concern, prompting urgent government intervention. By involving volunteers in the fight against substance abuse, authorities aim to foster community-driven solutions that complement law enforcement efforts. Substance abuse continues to jeopardize the future of Liberia’s young people, leading to early deaths and severe health complications.
Minister Sando emphasized that intervention through education and counseling is a critical component of the training program, which is expected to significantly reduce addiction rates. “If our youth continue to be consumed by drugs, their future is bleak. They not only endanger themselves but also create an insecure environment for peaceful citizens and investors,” he warned.
The training program will focus on prevention, rehabilitation support, and awareness campaigns to ensure a holistic response to the crisis. Community members and advocacy groups, who have long called for a more robust and inclusive fight against substance abuse, view this initiative as a crucial step toward addressing the root causes of addiction. The Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency has been actively engaged in community-based awareness programs, and this volunteer training is expected to further strengthen efforts to curb drug abuse at the grassroots level.
As the program rolls out in phases across the country, government officials, stakeholders, and citizens alike remain hopeful that with sustained commitment and active public participation, Liberia can move towards a healthier, drug-free future for its youth.
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