(Monrovia, Liberia, September 24, 2025) The Multisectoral Steering Committee on Drugs and Substance Abuse today commenced a three-day Review and Validation Workshop on the National Anti-Drug Action Plan (2025–2030), which runs from September 24–26, 2025, at the Ministry of Health.
The workshop has convened a broad cross-section of stakeholders, including representatives from the Legislature, Judiciary, ministries, agencies and commissions, civil society, community-based organizations, and local government.
“The objective of the gathering is to review, validate, and cost the 5-year National Anti-Drug Action Plan, developed by the Multisectoral Steering Committee on Drugs and Substance Abuse. This Plan serves as a comprehensive framework to strengthen Liberia’s coordinated and holistic fight against drug and substance abuse.
Delivering the opening statement, Dr. Catherine T. Cooper, Chief Medical Officer of the Republic of Liberia, described the gathering as “an important step taken against drugs and substance abuse,” emphasizing that the fight can only succeed through collaboration.
“Over the last several weeks, members of the Technical Working Group of the Multisectoral Committee have worked incredibly hard to put together this document that we are about to review over the next three days. We have ensured that every component relevant to addressing the issue of drugs and substance abuse has been incorporated,” Dr. Cooper stated.
Adding his voice, Rep. Thomas A. Goshua of District #5, Grand Bassa County, and Chair of the House’s Committee on Drugs and Substance Abuse, reaffirmed the Legislature’s commitment to the national fight:
“The Legislature stands firmly behind this process. We are committed to ensuring that the necessary laws, policies, and resources are in place to support the successful implementation of this Action Plan.”
Speaking on behalf of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), Mr. Ernest Tarpeh, Acting Deputy Director, highlighted the Agency’s ongoing efforts and commitment to tackling drug trafficking in Liberia.
“In recent weeks, the LDEA has stepped up its operations, conducting increased raids against drug dealers and traffickers across the country. We remain committed to intensifying these efforts and working alongside all partners to combat drug abuse and protect our communities.”
The workshop is organized by the Multisectoral Steering Committee on Drugs and Substance Abuse, under the leadership of its Chairperson, Dr. Louise M. Kpoto, with strong support from the Technical Working Group (TWG), whose commitment has been instrumental in making the Action Plan both comprehensive and practical.
Once validated, the National Anti-Drug Action Plan (2025–2030) will serve as the guiding framework for coordinated interventions aimed at curbing and ultimately eradicating drug and substance abuse in Liberia.