Story: Emmanuel S. King, Jr.

Liberian youth, through the YMCA of Liberia, have made a passionate appeal to the 55th National Legislature to take urgent and decisive action against the growing drug and substance abuse crisis affecting young people across the country.

Marieya F. Chea, a child of the YMCA Children Vacation Sports Program (CVSP) reads the petition

Speaking at the Capitol Building on August 10, 2026, during the official launch of the 2026 Children Vacation Sports Program (CVSP) and the 145th Anniversary of the Liberia YMCA, the youth representative described the proliferation of Kush, Tramadol, and other harmful substances as a serious threat to Liberia’s future. The statement highlighted the devastating impact of drug abuse on young people, including homelessness, addiction, school-related risks, and the loss of dignity and hope among affected youth.

Acknowledging the government’s declaration of a National Drug Emergency, the youth called on lawmakers to strengthen the national response to drug trafficking and substance abuse. They petitioned the Legislature to introduce stricter penalties for drug traffickers, strengthen and adequately resource the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), establish specialized Drug Courts, provide free and accessible rehabilitation services for young people struggling with addiction, and introduce comprehensive drug prevention programs in schools.

The youth also urged lawmakers to view drug addiction not only as a criminal justice issue but as a public health and national development concern requiring prevention, treatment, enforcement, and sustained community intervention.

Concluding their appeal, the young petitioners challenged lawmakers to consider the legacy they will leave behind and called on them to become champions for Liberia’s children and protect the country’s future by taking meaningful action against the drug crisis.

Representative Toles making remarks following the reading of the petition

Receiving the petition, the Chairman on Claims and Petition of the House of Representative, Montserrado County, District 8 Representative Prince Toles lauded the young people of Liberia and the Liberia YMCA for the initiative. He said as a parent also, he takes the issue of drug as a ‘national crisis.’

“The petition by the children of Liberia through the Liberia YMCA will be presented to the Leadership of the House of Representatives of Liberia. I want you to be assured that this is not just a political show, but a national issue, and we will look at it to safeguard the future of Liberia.” Representative Toles said.

He noted that the young people of Liberia have a stake to lead the nation and the future of the young people is protected, adding that the House of Representatives will take the necessary actions to ensure the safeguard of Liberia from drugs.