By: Sampat JMB Kpakimah
The Liberian Government has endorsed a series of major policy decisions aimed at strengthening the country’s fight against drug trafficking and substance abuse, including the creation of a permanent multi-sectoral anti-drug body, the establishment of a National Drug Rehabilitation Fund, and mandatory physical inspection of all cargo entering the country’s airports.
Speaking to reporters today, July 2, 2016 after the Thursday Cabinet meeting at the Executive Mansion Tea house, Director General of the Cabinet Nathaniel T. Kwabo said the meeting was largely devoted to assessing the country’s drug situation in light of recent developments. He recalled that President Joseph Nyuma Boakai had, in his 2024 Annual Message, declared drug abuse a national emergency and a threat to Liberia’s national security, prompting the establishment of a multi-sectoral committee to coordinate the government’s response.
According to Kwabo, Cabinet received updates from the committee, including presentations by the Ministry of Health and the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), covering both drug demand through rehabilitation efforts and drug supply through enforcement operations.
He said President Boakai commended the committee for the progress made so far, while acknowledging that much work remains to be done.
“The President was particularly pleased with the work that has been done by the committee. While there is still much more to do, significant progress has been made that many Liberians may not yet be aware of,” Kwabo said.
Among the key decisions endorsed by Cabinet is legislation to institutionalize the multi-sectoral anti-drug committee, making it a permanent national institution regardless of changes in government.
He disclosed that the Cabinet also approved the establishment of a National Drug Rehabilitation Fund to mobilize resources for combating drug abuse and supporting rehabilitation programs across the country.
Additionally, Cabinet endorsed an LDEA Board resolution suspending the agency’s Director General pending an ongoing investigation. Kwabo said Cabinet further directed the Liberia Airport Authority and relevant security agencies to conduct comprehensive physical inspections of all cargo arriving at the country’s airports to tighten border security and prevent illegal drugs from entering Liberia.
Responding to journalists’ questions about whether President Boakai had instructed Cabinet to adopt a firmer stance against drug trafficking, Kwabo said the approved resolutions demonstrate the administration’s commitment to taking decisive action against the growing drug menace.
Addressing concerns over the ongoing investigation into the reported US$19 million drug-related case, Kwabo urged the public to remain patient, stressing that the investigation is being handled professionally.
“The President has made it clear that the public should allow the investigators to do their work. They have the technical expertise and professional capacity to conduct the investigation, and at the appropriate time the public will be informed of the outcome,” he said.
Beyond the anti-drug measures, Cabinet also approved the establishment of a National Anti-Drug Task Force to coordinate operational enforcement efforts nationwide.
The meeting also considered challenges facing communities affected by mining activities. Kwabo disclosed that Cabinet endorsed a National Post-Mining Community Transition Strategy aimed at protecting communities both during mining operations and after concessions have ended, ensuring sustainable development and better planning for mining-dependent areas.
On the situation involving Liberians in South Africa, Kwabo said the government, through Liberia’s Ambassador to South Africa, has finalized arrangements to repatriate Liberians wishing to return home following recent attacks. He revealed that while initial assessments involved more than 200 Liberians, the number has now been reduced to 21 individuals who have voluntarily agreed to return.
“They cannot be forced to leave. Those returning have agreed voluntarily, and the government is working through the Ministry of Finance and other agencies to facilitate their return,” he explained.
Asked whether the government is prepared to reintegrate the returnees, Kwabo assured journalists that measures are in place to receive them upon arrival and support their reintegration into society, noting that many also have families in Liberia.
Kwabo also confirmed that President Boakai remains committed to improving the welfare of public servants. Responding to questions about public sector compensation, he said the Civil Service Agency continues to lead a presidential committee reviewing the country’s public service compensation structure with the goal of ensuring fair and equitable salaries and benefits for government employees.
He emphasized that improving the conditions of public servants remains one of President Boakai’s priorities as the administration continues implementing reforms across the public sector.
