Published: September 1, 2025
GBARNGA, Bong County — Braving heavy rain in black attire, anti-drug campaigners paraded the streets of Gbarnga on Saturday before petitioning county authorities to take decisive action against drug trafficking and abuse, which they described as a growing threat to peace, security, and Liberia’s future.
Under the banner “Bong County Say No to Drugs,” the petitioners gathered at the county administration building and called for raids on ghettos and other trafficking points, as well as rehabilitation opportunities for addicted youth.
“Drugs are destroying the lives of young people. Ghettos and drug-selling points have multiplied, putting future generations at risk and undermining development efforts,” the petition stated.
The campaigners urged stronger collaboration between the county administration, joint security forces, civil society, and community groups to dismantle trafficking networks. They also pressed officials to lobby the national government for financial support to sustain anti-drug programs.
“Enforce stronger measures against ghettos and drug-selling points in Bong County. Strengthen collaboration among county authorities, youth groups, and civil society organizations in the fight against drugs,” the petition emphasized.
The demonstration came amid what activists described as a surge in the drug trade, expansion of ghettos, and rising deaths of users. More than five young people have died recently in Bong County from drug-related complications, with many others suffering severe health problems from narcotics use.
Bong County Administrative Officer Sam Elliott received the petition on behalf of Superintendent Hawa Norris, encouraging petitioners to report suspected trafficking in their communities. He also defended the administration’s recent cancellation of an earlier anti-drug campaign, citing poor communication from organizers.
But Jeremiah Solomon, executive director of the Bong County Environmental School Club Incorporated, criticized the cancellation as “an unjustifiable disruption” of a peaceful effort to mobilize students, civil society, law enforcement, and residents against drug abuse.
Elliott declined the group’s request for a rain-soaked photo, leaving campaigners visibly disappointed.
Discussion about this post