GBARNGA, Bong County — A significant controversy has emerged among citizens and authorities in Bong County following the recent “Say No To Drugs” campaign. On August 30, 2025, a coalition of citizens from various civil society organizations came together to advocate against the increasing prevalence of narcotics within the county.
The campaign took a dramatic turn during the presentation of the petition to the county’s leadership. Bong County Administrative Officer Sam Elliott publicly expressed his disapproval of the campaigners’ conduct, citing reported instances of drunkenness among them. “I think we need to stop here because those who came to fight against drugs are more disorganized. I will see you in the morning. Thank you for coming,” Mr. Elliott commented, leaving many campaigners and citizens taken aback.
Elliott’s remarks ignited outrage among the campaigners, who labeled the statements as reckless and unfounded. Ishmael Massaquoi, one of the lead organizers of the campaign, went further to accuse Elliott of being a suspect in drug use within the county. “The statement of Sam B. Elliott is reckless, and the young people will never take it lightly. He is a suspect of drugs,” Massaquoi stated, intensifying the ongoing controversy surrounding the issue. Mr. Elliott has yet to comment on the matter.
