The Executive Director of the Global Action for Sustainable Development James Koryor (GASD), has voiced strong criticism against the Unity Party Government for its failure to adequately address substance abuse as a national public health emergency.
In an exclusive interview, Koryor expressed deep concern over the government’s fragmented approach to this pressing issue, highlighting the alleged unfulfilled promises made by the President, Joseph N. Boakai during his first State of the Nation Address in January, 2024.
In his address, President Boakai acknowledged the growing substance abuse problem in Liberia and declared it a national public health emergency.
Yet, more than seven months later, little has been done to combat the scourge, Koryor argues.
“The President campaigned on a platform of addressing the drug crisis, particularly among the youth, but we have not seen any tangible progress. This administration’s inaction is not just a broken promise, it’s a betrayal to the disadvantaged youths who are most affected,” Koryor blasted.
Koryor also highlighted GASD’s concern about the lack of transparency and accountability from the government regarding the President’s promise.
“It has been over nine months since the declaration, and we are concerned about the absence of a clear roadmap or visible progress in the implementation of this critical initiative,” he noted.
GASD has called for urgent information on the status of the inter-ministerial task force chaired by the Ministry of Health, which was established to combat substance abuse.
“The time for talk is over, We need action now, and we will not rest until the government fulfills its promise to tackle this crisis head-on”, Koryor, Reemphasized.
The organization also seeks to understand the challenges that may have impeded the implementation of the initiative.
Koryor stressed the need for civil society organizations (CSOs) to be integrated into the process and for their roles to be clearly defined.
“We want to know how CSOs are being integrated into this process and what specific roles they are expected to play. If there is an existing implementation plan, we ask that the government share it so that we can better understand the framework and contribute effectively,” Koryor further inidcated.
He at the same time call for mechanisms to track the implementation of the government’s initiatives to ensure accountability and transparency.
“This matter is too important to be neglected. The government must establish clear tracking mechanisms for their substance abuse intervention programs. Our organization, along with other CSOs, is ready to collaborate with the Ministry of Health in monitoring and evaluating the progress of these initiatives,” he said.
The GASD Executive Director also criticized the disjointed efforts in tackling the substance abuse problem, pointing to the lack of a comprehensive national strategy.
“What we are seeing is a fragmented and uncoordinated response from various agencies. There’s no consolidated approach, and this is made worse by inadequate support through budgetary allocation in the national budget. Youth are left to suffer, and this is a complete disservice to the very people the government promised to protect,” Koryor added.
He was particularly critical of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), describing it ineffective in addressing the escalating drug crisis.
Mr. Koryor emphasized that the appointment of former officials, who have not brought any new ideas to the table, has further hampered efforts. “The LDEA has remained largely ineffective, and the government’s insistence on recycling old officials who lack the innovative strategies needed to combat drug trafficking and abuse shows a lack of seriousness in dealing with this national crisis,” he noted.
Despite these setbacks, GASD’s Executive Director assured the media that they are determined to act.
As part of said efforts, Koryor announced that the organization is planning a series of advocacy activities and capacity-building initiatives to address the substance abuse crisis. “We are mobilizing civil society organizations and communities to push for real solutions”, he emphasized.
He named the petitioning of the Legislature for the establishment of a specialized, dedicated institution that will focus solely on substance abuse prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation as one of their primary targets.
GASD pledged their committment to working with the government and civil society partners to address such national crisis with the urgency and commitment it demands.
