In his first State of the Nation address, President Joseph Nyumah Boakai has made a bold declaration, signaling a decisive shift in the country’s approach to the growing drug crisis.
The President officially declared drug abuse a public health emergency, emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive measures to address the widespread issue affecting communities across the West African nation especially youthful population.
President Boakai, who assumed office a week ago, spoke passionately about the devastating impact of drug abuse on the Liberian population, particularly among inner city youths . He highlighted the rise in addiction rates, the surge in drug-related crimes, and the toll it has taken on families and communities.
“Honorable Legislators, drug abuse especially the use of Kush is a substantial threat to the existence of this country,” the Chief Executive emphasized.
The President noted that “I here by declare drug and substance abuse as a public health emergency”, President Boakai told the 55th Legislature on Monday.
The President outlined a multi-faceted strategy to tackle the issue head-on, including setting up of a multi-sector taskforce headed by the Ministry of Health to curb the crisis by helping to design strategy to tackle drug trafficking, and substance abuse.
President Boakai also announced that both he and Jeremiah Kpan Koung would voluntarily undergo drug tests to set an example for the nation. This unprecedented step is intended to demonstrate the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability in the fight against drug abuse.
“In this light, me and my Vice President will be the first to take drug tests, and I urge all others to follow me”, he added.
The announcement has received widespread support from various sectors of the Liberian society, with many praising President Boakai’s bold stance on addressing the root causes of the drug crisis
As Liberia confronts this public health emergency, the international community will be closely watching the nation’s efforts to combat drug abuse and implement effective strategies to safeguard the well-being of its citizens.
The issue of drug abuse continue plague the Liberian society especially since the intermittent civil wars into the restoration of democracy governance that witnessed the elections of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf who served the country for two consecutive terms.
The crisis elevated to an unprecedented level during the George Weah administration that played lip-service to the fight against drug abuse especially young people in the West African nation.
‘Kush killing youth’
The latest substance of concern called Kush, which has reportedly been fatal for many disadvantaged youths known as “zogoes.” According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), it is estimated that two out of ten Liberian youths are users of narcotic substances.
The new sustance “KUSH” has viticimized many youths destroying their mental health and leading to their deaths on some occassions.
