The President of the Republic, H.E. Dr. George Manneh Weah, has launched the Paynesville Youth Summit 2022. He used the occasion, held Friday, October 28, 2022, to once again decry what he considers the rampant use of drugs and other harmful substances by young people.
The President said it is unfortunate that the situation remains unabated, in spite of the substantial investment government has been making to remedy the pervasive use of drugs in the country.
President Weah noted that government, working with partners over the years, has taken several actions and critical decisions to curb the use of drugs, citing the drug law as well as the recent project launched to rehabilitate at-risk youths.
Dr. Weah recalled the recent arrest and seizure of $100 million dollar worth of drugs by the Liberia Drugs Enforcement Agency (LDEA), saying that such an action demonstrates the government’s commitment to the fight against drug and substance abuse.
“Those connected to the importation of the drugs are two foreign nationals, and the rest of them are Liberian citizens,” President Weah stated in an effort to highlight how involved Liberians are in the drug trade.
“Though the United States is our traditional and strong partner, helping us in many ways, yet we are a sovereign nation, and we must take issues affecting us seriously on our own and find solutions to them,” the President noted. “We ourselves must fight against drugs and their abuse.”
He said it is time that citizens got involved in the fight against drugs by exposing those bent on using or selling it because they live in the communities and homes.
The Liberian Leader told the audience of predominantly young people to always channel their petitions and requests through the National Legislature or those directly representing them.
The President informed the young people that he will always stand with them in achieving whatever they desire for themselves.
“If it is a petition or law or whatever document containing what you want to be done to improve your condition, once it passes through your elected representative, I will sign it without delay,” he assured the youth.
He thanked the youth and the organizers of the Paynesville Youth Summit 2022, stating that it is a good effort and in the right direction.
The summit was intended to raise L$5 million to support youth development, and the President provided half of the target amount.
He encouraged well-meaning citizens and partners to contribute to the worthy cause.
