Published: August 8, 2025
MONROVIA – The Executive Director of the Women Non-Governmental Organization Secretariat of Liberia (WONGOSOL), Esther Davis Yango, is calling on the Liberian government to take swift and decisive action against illicit drug traffickers, warning that narcotics are destroying the country’s youth at an alarming rate.
Speaking Thursday at a mass citizen protest against drugs held on the grounds of the Capitol Building, Director Yango said the government must treat the drug crisis as a national emergency. She joined thousands of protesters, including civil society groups and students, who petitioned the Legislature for stronger anti-drug measures.
“Illicit drugs are killing the youthful population of this country,” Yango said. “We need more than just words; we need action from our government officials to tackle this crisis head-on.”
Yango said the proliferation of narcotics in Liberia has infiltrated schools, communities, and even government institutions, threatening the potential of the nation’s future leaders.
Call for Stronger Law Enforcement
She urged the Boakai administration to adequately resource the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) and other national security institutions to dismantle drug trafficking networks and prosecute perpetrators.
“Government must empower the LDEA and our security agencies to ensure that those bringing drugs into this country are arrested and face justice,” she stated.
Yango stressed that the war on drugs cannot be won without political will, law enforcement capacity, and community involvement.
“We understand the government cannot be in every alleyway or neighborhood,” she said. “That’s why we’re calling on communities to take a stand—to help expose drug dealers and protect our youth.”
Support for Executive Order and Public Awareness
Yango also expressed support for President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s Executive Order targeting the drug epidemic, but cautioned that implementation must go beyond the signing of documents.
“There are laws on the books,” she said. “But we all know that implementation remains the challenge. This Executive Order must be enforced to the letter.”
She urged government institutions and school authorities to increase drug prevention awareness in learning institutions, adding that early intervention is key to protecting students from falling prey to substance abuse.
“Schools must not only teach math and English—they must be safe zones from drugs,” she said.
Community-Driven Action
WONGOSOL, Yango said, has been at the forefront of nationwide awareness campaigns on the dangers of illicit drugs, working with grassroots organizations and vulnerable communities.
She called on all Liberians to join the fight against what she called a “national poison,” emphasizing that the Boakai administration must treat the drug crisis with the urgency it deserves.
“This is not a partisan issue. This is about the soul of our country. If we lose our youth, we lose Liberia,” Yango said.
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