The House of Representatives has constituted a Special Committee to confront the alarming rise in drug abuse and trafficking across Liberia, a crisis that continues to erode the nation’s social fabric and threaten the future of its youth.
This legislative action follows a formal communication from Moima Briggs Mensah, Representative of District #6, Bong County, who urged the House to urgently address the devastating consequences of narcotics in communities nationwide.
In her letter to Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon, she underscored the widespread impact of addiction, citing broken families, increased violence, and the diminishing prospects of young Liberians.
“The drug epidemic is not just a health issue—it is a national emergency,” Hon. Briggs Mensah declared. “We must act with compassion for victims and resolve against traffickers.”
The Special Committee has been entrusted with reviewing and proposing amendments to Liberia’s drug laws, recommending the creation of a National Rehabilitation and Reintegration Program, and advising on emergency budgetary support for the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA).
In addition, the committee will explore avenues for enhanced regional cooperation with ECOWAS and Mano River Union partners to combat cross-border trafficking.
The committee comprises Sampson Wiah, Augustine Chiewolo, Michael Thomas, Emmanuel Dahn, Gizze Kollince, Nyan Flomo, and Matthew Joe.
These lawmakers are expected to collaborate with key national institutions, including the LDEA, the Liberia National Police (LNP), the Liberia Immigration Service (LIS), and the Ministries of Health, Education, and Youth and Sports.
Lawmakers emphasized that the committee’s mandate is grounded in Article 32(b) of the Liberian Constitution, which empowers the Legislature to act in matters of urgent national concern.
As Liberia grapples with the consequences of narcotic abuse, the House’s swift and coordinated response reflects a renewed commitment to public health, youth development, and national stability.
