Stressing Urgent Need To Fight Rising Drugs Menace In The Country
PHOTO: Leaders of the Telecom Community in Kakata
By Abraham K. Kollie, kollieabraham23@gmail.com
The public momentum to face the rising wave of narcotic drugs trafficking, use and abuse in Liberia appears to be on the increase, with the Telecom Community in Kakata, Margibi County urging citizens to “say no to drugs”.
FLASHBACK: Recent anti-drugs protest in Monrovia
In a unified effort to combat this menace, officials from the Telecom Community have expressed their commitment to support the efforts of President Joseph Boakai and the women’s groups who led the recent massive anti-drugs street protest in Monrovia.
This urgent need to fight the drugs menace in the country was underscored during the induction of community leaders in the area led by Chairman Peter K. Tukon and several other community leaders in Kakata and its environs.
Speaking Saturday, August 16, 2023 at the induction ceremony of the newly elected officials of the Telecom Community, Chairman Tukon emphasized the urgent need to address drug use within the Community, announcing plans to organize the burning of illicit drugs found in the area.
“My leadership will burn all Gettoes found within the Four zones of our Community. We need the participation of everyone including patients, residential owners, to quickly inform our leadership for onwards information to the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency to ensure our community is free from Drug.” he explained.
Mr. Tukon however mentioned his leadership’s dedication to creating a healthier environment by combating drug-related issues.
“We are engaging our County Health Team to establish free Drugs test for all residents of our community,” he added.
Looking ahead, the Telecom Community leadership outlined their vision for the next three years, which includes refurbishing the Telecom Town Hall, fostering youth empowerment, enhancing security, advocating for community needs, and improving garbage management, among other initiatives.
Giving a special Statement at the occasion, Thompson M. Nanah, head of the of Thompson M Nanah Humanitarian Foundation, called for inclusivity in leadership roles to ensure a more comprehensive approach to tackling these pressing issues.
“Politics is a competition of ideas among opposing forces, as such we all need to reunite as community and people. Today you have won the election don’t forget that you had people competing against you and need to be included in your leadership for the smooth operation of your community, please include everyone for the growth and sustainable development of the Telecom people,” the community leader noted.
As the Telecom Community rallies in support of the general fight against narcotic drugs in Liberia, there seems to be renewed hope for a more drug-free Liberia through collective action and community engagement.