Boakai Leads Fight and Declares War on Drugs

Monrovia, Liberia – Drug and substance abuse have been declared a public health emergency by President Joseph Nyumah Boakai and Vice President Jeremiah Koung, in an attempt to take the initiative in the fight against narcotics. President Boakai said that drug use is a menace to the nation’s younger generation and that everyone must work together to minimize drug usage during his State of the Nation address on Monday, January 29, 2024, at the National Legislature (Capitol Building).

“The use of “DRUG” in our country is an existential threat, eating the future of our children and the country. We must stand up and face this national security risk together. Given the need for immediate action to make good on my pledge to the thousands of families burdened by this crisis, I am hereby declaring Drugs and Substance abuse a Public Health Emergency.”

President Boakai has also urged others to assist him in the fight against drug abuse and established a steering committee with the Ministry of Health as the lead organization and the Ministry of Justice as the co-chair. The Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP), the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, and the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) are among the other members of the committee.