(Monrovia, Liberia, August 21, 2025) — In a continuation of nationwide consultations to galvanize collective action against the scourge of narcotics and substance abuse, the Multi-Sectoral Committee on Drugs and Substance Abuse on Thursday convened an engagement with Superintendents, City Mayors, and Township Commissioners of Montserrado County.
Delivering the opening statement, Minister of Health and Chairperson of the Committee, Dr. Louise M. Kpoto, characterized the gathering as both “timely and consequential,” stressing that Liberia’s battle against substance abuse demands unified, multi-layered interventions that cut across every tier of governance. She emphasized that local government officials, as custodians of community order and public safety, serve as major players in combating what she described as a “rising national menace.” “Since assuming leadership of this Committee, we have been strategizing and deploying bold measures to ensure that this scourge is decisively tackled. Already, the construction of a 350-bedroom hospital in Bentol is underway, rehabilitation initiatives have commenced, and massive awareness campaigns are ongoing in schools, churches, mosques, and communities. Today’s engagement shows our conviction that only through collective effort we can conquer this menace,” Dr. Kpoto asserted.
Also addressing the forum, Minister of Youth and Sports, Hon. J. Cole Bangalu, expressed the critical need for youth-centered interventions and sustainable community sensitization. “The successes we have recorded in recent arrests of traffickers and users were largely due to intelligence provided by ordinary citizens. I urge the public to remain vigilant and continue supporting the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency with actionable information,” Minister Bangalu emphasized.
Providing an overview, Dr. Moses Ziah II, Director of Mental Health, outlined the objectives of the meeting, which included clarifying the roles of local government officials in prevention, reinforcing synergy with law enforcement, and strengthening institutional coordination between the Ministry and grassroots structures.
Montserrado County Superintendent, Hon. Whroway Bryant, pledged unreserved cooperation on behalf of Montserrado County local government, warning that substance abuse continues to erode community safety, disrupt education, and undermine national development.
The Director-General of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), Mr.Anthony K. Souh, reaffirmed the Agency’s unwavering commitment to a coordinated enforcement strategy. He emphasized that a collaborative approach was indispensable to dismantling criminal supply networks, reducing demand, and ensuring the rehabilitation and reintegration of victims.
During the inactive discussions, City Mayors and Township Commissioners shared insights into their existing roles in drug-related interventions and outlined proposals for heightened collaboration in law enforcement, intensified public awareness, and community mobilization. Delegates stressed the urgency of forging stronger partnerships with security agencies and civil society actors to guarantee a sustainable, people-driven response.
A major outcome of the deliberations was the establishment of “Community Drug Action Teams” in every township and city of Montserrado County, designed to serve as direct channels of communication between the Ministry of Health, local authorities, and law enforcement agencies. These structures will spearhead monitoring, reporting, and coordinated action at the grassroots level.
Thursday’s engagement follows a two-day technical working session of the Multi-Sectoral Committee, as well as recent consultations with treatment providers, all geared toward formulating a strategic national framework that strengthens referral pathways, deepens collaboration, and champions innovative responses to the substance use epidemic threatening the nation