Dr. Elizabeth M. Gaye-Kamara, a concerned Liberian citizen, has issued a formal call to action to the Government of Liberia, urging them to implement a comprehensive national strategy to combat the nation’s escalating drug crisis. This appeal comes on the heels of the “Say No To Drugs” march, a historic and widespread protest that drew citizens from all walks of life.
The proliferation of drugs is having a devastating impact on Liberian society, with the potential to reduce citizens to a state of helplessness and threaten the country’s future. Dr. Gaye-Kamara highlights the potential benefits of a government-led response, including saving a generation of young people, strengthening national security, restoring the social fabric, and enhancing Liberia’s international credibility.
Dr. Gaye-Kamara acknowledges the challenges that must be addressed, including financial strain, lack of infrastructure, corruption, and social stigma surrounding addiction. To effectively combat the crisis, Dr. Gaye-Kamara recommends that the government declare a national emergency, establish a Presidential Anti-Drug Task Force, invest in rehabilitation and treatment programs, strengthen law enforcement agencies, and focus on prevention and education.
“Formally declare illicit drugs a national pandemic to mobilize all available resources,” Dr. Gaye-Kamara stressed. She also calls for the creation of a multi-agency body to coordinate a unified national strategy. Furthermore, the community organizer stressed the importance of investing in rehabilitation and treatment programs, strengthening law enforcement agencies, and focusing on prevention and education through public awareness campaigns and school curriculum integration.
Dr. Gaye-Kamara emphasizes that the time for rhetoric is over and calls on the government to transform hope into action. “The march was a powerful beginning, but it must not be the end,” the release states. “It is now the government’s turn to secure a brighter future for Liberia.” On August 7, 2025, the Say No To Drugs Campaign submitted a petition to the Government of Liberia on behalf of thousands of Liberians seeking an end to the drug pandemic in the country. The petition highlights the devastating impact of illicit drugs on Liberian society, including the destruction of families, increased crime rates, and the loss of a generation of young people.
The petitioners are calling on the government to take decisive action to address the crisis, including amending the current drug law to impose harsher penalties for drug-related offenses, establishing a specialized court to fast-track drug-related cases, and increasing funding for rehabilitation and treatment programs. They are also demanding that the government establish a Presidential Anti-Drug Task Force, declare August 7 as Liberia’s National Anti-Drug Day, and take other measures to combat the drug trade.
The petition emphasizes that the government’s response to the crisis will determine the future of Liberia, and that urgent action is needed to save the country’s next generation. The petitioners are not asking for vengeance, but for justice and protection, and are willing to participate in any government efforts to address the crisis.
