Ministry of Youth and Sports Reaffirms Commitment to Combating Drug Abuse
Ministry of Youth and Sports Reaffirms Commitment to Combating Drug Abuse
Paynesville , Liberia – June 26, 2026 – The Ministry of Youth and Sports has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to combating drug and substance abuse among young people, calling for stronger national collaboration to safeguard Liberia's future.
The reaffirmation was made during the commemoration of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (World Drug Day) held in Logan Town, Bushrod Island, on Friday, June 26, 2026.
Held under the global theme, "The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention," the program was sponsored by UNFPA and brought together officials and staff of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, community-based organizations (CBOs), community leaders, stakeholders, and more than 200 at-risk youth from Logan Town and surrounding communities.
Delivering remarks on behalf of the Minister of Youth and Sports, Hon. Atty. Cornelia W. Kruah, the Ministry's Director General for Programs and Strategic Initiatives, Mr. Sando James, described drug abuse as one of the greatest threats confronting Liberia's youth today. He emphasized that addressing the growing crisis requires a united effort involving government institutions, communities, development partners, families, religious institutions, and young people themselves.
Mr. James commended the Government of Liberia, the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), and international development partners for their continued efforts to curb the proliferation of illicit drugs across the country. However, he cautioned that the challenge remains enormous and requires a more coordinated and comprehensive national response.
"When our young people are educated, empowered, and healthy, Liberia prospers. But when they are trapped by addiction, crime, and hopelessness, the nation's development is placed at risk," he said.
Highlighting the magnitude of the problem, Mr. James referenced the Ministry's 2021 National Drug Assessment, conducted with support from UNFPA and UNICEF. According to the assessment, drug abuse hotspots were identified across all fifteen counties of Liberia, with a baseline of 3,023 young people directly engaged in drug and substance abuse.
He stressed that these statistics represent real lives and real families, underscoring the urgent need for sustained action beyond awareness campaigns.
Mr. James called for increased investment in prevention initiatives within schools, communities, youth centers, and places of worship.
He further advocated for expanded access to mental health services, vocational and technical skills training, entrepreneurship opportunities, sports and recreation programs, as well as rehabilitation and reintegration services that provide young people with meaningful alternatives to substance abuse.
Addressing young Liberians directly, he encouraged them to reject drugs and instead embrace education, skills development, and opportunities that will enable them to realize their full potential. He also appealed to the public to replace stigma with compassion by supporting individuals battling addiction through rehabilitation and reintegration rather than discrimination and rejection.
Serving as the guest lecturer, Madam Veronica Fancial, a registered nurse and representative of the Liberia Albino Society, delivered a presentation on the devastating effects of drug abuse on individuals and society.
She explained that substance abuse often leads to financial hardship, broken family relationships, depression, anxiety disorders, and numerous other mental and physical health challenges. She further noted that widespread drug abuse contributes significantly to rising crime rates, making communities unsafe, discouraging investment, and forcing residents to relocate.
In concluding her presentation, Madam Fancial emphasized that drug abuse is not merely an individual problem but a national concern that affects families, communities, and the country's overall development.
"Every Liberian is affected by the consequences of drug abuse in one way or another," she said.
Meanwhile, the Ministry's Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health (ASRH) Program Coordinator, Madam Gifty Pewu, encouraged disadvantaged young people who are determined to overcome addiction to take advantage of the Ministry's free rehabilitation services.
She explained that under the ASRH Program, prospective beneficiaries first receive outpatient treatment at the Mother of Light Rehabilitation Center in Congo Town. Based on their progress, they are referred to the inpatient rehabilitation facility in Johnsonville, where they undergo several months of detoxification and comprehensive rehabilitation.
Upon successfully completing rehabilitation, participants are enrolled at the Youth Agriculture Training Center (YATC), where they receive practical agricultural and vocational skills designed to promote self-reliance, sustainable livelihoods, and successful reintegration into society.
The Ministry of Youth and Sports reaffirmed that combating drug abuse remains one of its top priorities and pledged to continue working with government institutions, development partners, civil society organizations, and communities to prevent substance abuse, expand rehabilitation services, and empower Liberia's young people to become productive citizens capable of contributing to national development.
