The Liberian Senate has strongly criticized the Executive Branch of Government for what it calls a weak and ineffective approach to combating the country’s drug crisis.
Tensions escalated after none of the heads of key ministries and agencies on President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s drug steering committee honored a Senate summons-instead sending junior representatives, a move that sparked immediate outrage.
The Senate is seeking answers regarding the implementation and progress of the national anti-drug efforts declared earlier this year as a state of emergency by President Boakai.
The Presidential Steering Committee, tasked with leading this fight, is now facing mounting scrutiny over its perceived inaction and lack of transparency.
In his first State of the Nation Address in January, President Boakai labeled the spread of drugs and substance abuse a national public health emergency.
He announced the formation of a steering committee led by the Ministry of Health, with the Ministry of Justice as co-chair.
Other members include the Ministries of Youth and Sports; Gender, Children and Social Protection; Finance and Development Planning; and the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA).
However, during a recent Senate session, lawmakers were outraged when none of the heads of these bodies appeared to address critical questions about the drug fight.
Instead, they sent lower-level representatives, prompting senators to reject all proxy appearances and demand a new hearing with the principal officials.
In a joint statement, Senators Abraham Darius Dillon (Montserrado) and Amara Konneh (Gbarpolu) expressed deep frustration over the growing use of synthetic drugs like “Kush,” which they say is destroying the lives of countless Liberian youth.
They emphasized that despite increased budget allocations to the LDEA and other agencies, progress remains minimal-and now even accountability is being dodged.
Senators Gbehzohngar Findley (Grand Bassa) and Dillon were especially vocal, accusing the Executive of undermining the Legislature and treating the drug crisis with alarming indifference.
“We will not sit by and allow the Executive to treat us with such disrespect,” Senator Dillon said, stressing that the Legislature has fulfilled its responsibilities and cannot be blamed for the failures of others.
Meanwhile, public frustration is mounting. Civil society groups and concerned citizens are organizing a protest scheduled for August 7, demanding stronger action and greater transparency in the government’s handling of the drug crisis.
Social media has seen a surge in calls for mass mobilization, reflecting growing dissatisfaction nationwide.
With pressure rising from both lawmakers and the public, attention now turns to the Executive Branch to show real commitment and urgency in addressing Liberia’s escalating drug problem.
