Liberia’s newly inaugurated President, Joseph Boakai, addressed the nation on Monday, highlighting the urgent issue of drug abuse by declaring it a “public health emergency.”
In response to the pervasive impact of Kush, a synthetic drug mirroring cannabis effects, President Boakai announced the formation of a steering committee to confront this “existential threat” affecting both Liberia and neighbouring Sierra Leone.
The widespread use of this highly addictive substance has brought about detrimental consequences, with individuals displaying extreme drowsiness found in various socio-economic settings, from slums to affluent areas.
In his 40-minute parliamentary address, President Boakai emphasised the severity of the situation, pledging to lead by example. He declared that both he and his vice-president would be the first to undergo a drug test, earning a standing ovation in the chamber
“The drug epidemic, especially the use of kush in our country, is an existential threat eating away at the future of our children and the country,” Boakai said, adding, “we must stand up and face this national security risk together”.
“Given the need for immediate action to make good my pledge to the thousands of families burdened by this crisis, I am hereby declaring drugs and substance abuse as a public health emergency,” the president said.
Former president George Weah, who was beaten by Boakai in November’s run-off poll, was criticised during the election campaign for failing to take sufficient action to counter the scourge while in office.
