The Montserrado County District 13 Youth Council has initiated a month-long Sports Festival aimed at combating the escalating drug abuse crisis in Liberia. The festival, themed “Give Red Card to Drugs,” seeks to raise awareness about the detrimental effects of drug use and promote a culture of zero tolerance toward drugs within the community.
According to a 2023 report from the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), over 60% of drug-related arrests involve individuals between the ages of 18 and 35, highlighting the vulnerability of the youth population to drug abuse. (Facebook)
The festival brings together residents from thirty-eight communities, alongside local leaders and national stakeholders, to engage in various sporting activities that promote healthy lifestyles and discourage drug use. Deputy Minister of State for Presidential Affairs, Cornelia Kruah, emphasized that the festival underscores the district’s commitment to combating drug prevalence and pledged continued support for youth-led initiatives.
Duannah Dolley, Vice Chair for Operations of the Congress, commended Deputy Minister Kruah for her support and called for concrete action from the national government to complement community efforts.
The Sports Festival is expected to run throughout the month, engaging youth in healthy activities while spreading the anti-drug message across the district. This initiative aligns with broader national efforts to address the growing drug abuse crisis in Liberia.
In recent months, there have been widespread protests and calls for urgent government action to combat the drug crisis. Women’s groups have led demonstrations demanding stricter penalties for drug-related crimes and the establishment of a specialized drug court. Activists have criticized the government’s response, urging for more effective measures to address the issue. (AP News)
The district 13 Youth Council’s initiative serves as a proactive step in the fight against drug abuse, aiming to empower the community and youth to take a stand against the pervasive issue affecting Liberia.
As the festival progresses, it is hoped that the collective efforts of the community will contribute to a significant reduction in drug abuse and foster a healthier, drug-free environment for future generations.
By connecting community action with national strategies, the district 13 Sports Festival demonstrates a proactive approach to addressing drug abuse while promoting social cohesion, discipline, and youth development across the district.
