55th Legislature Agrees on Committee to Combat Drug Threat  

Capitol Hill: Liberia's Plenary has given the green light to Margibi District #3 Lawmaker Ellen A. Attoh-Wreh's proposal, establishing an Ad-hoc Committee on drugs, rehabilitation, and reintegration. The move comes as a proactive response to President Joseph Nyumah Boakai's call to arms against the escalating drug epidemic.

The approved committee, a testament to the 55th Legislature's commitment to public safety, will play a pivotal role in overseeing the Multi sectorial Steering Committee formed by President Boakai. This collective effort is geared towards curbing drug trafficking and abuse, addressing a national security threat that has gripped the nation.

Hon. Attoh-Wreh's foresight in suggesting the establishment of this committee reflects a dedication to tackling the drug emergency at its core. The Ad-hoc Committee is poised to engage in comprehensive strategies for drug control, rehabilitation programs, and effective reintegration measures.

This decisive step builds on the legislative success of the 54th Legislature's co-sponsorship of the Amended Drug Law, solidifying Liberia's stance against the drug menace. The Ad-hoc Committee's formation signifies a united front in the battle against drug-related challenges, showcasing Liberia's commitment to a safer and drug-free future.

As the nation awaits the tangible outcomes of this newly established committee, it marks a significant milestone in Liberia's ongoing efforts to combat the drug epidemic and underscores the importance of collaborative legislative initiatives in addressing pressing national issues.

Below is a Full Text of Rep. Wreh’s Communication:

COMMUNICATION FROM HON. ATTOH-WREH

January 30, 2024

Dear Hon. Speaker,

In adherence to article 58 of the Constitution of the Republic of Liberia, the President appeared before the bi-camera Legislature to report on the state of affairs, detailing income and expenditure while at the same time laying bare his legislative plan for the ensuing year.

Interestingly, I would like to specifically emphasize his mention of the drug epidemic which has emerged as this generation's greatest menace, affecting potential young men and women who has fallen prey to drug addiction thus becoming not only a burden, but existential threats to society.

Honorable Speaker and Distinguished Members, President Boakai also made a clarion call to everyone to stand in this fight together as it poses a national security threat, and took a bold step by establishing a Multi sectorial Steering Committee comprising of Ministries and Agencies of Government.

Hence, this Legislature, I believe, should support the President in every way necessary to ensure that his agenda to fight drug trafficking and abuse is met. In the 54th Legislature, we became the co-sponsor of a landmark bill that got enacted into law and today known as the Amended Drug Law upon which H.E. Joseph Nyumah Boakai has premised his fight.

Additionally, and as a way to get the 55th Legislature directly involved in tackling this national emergency, I hereby propose- should this meet your consent as well as Plenary, the establishment of a Leadership Committee on Drug, Rehabilitation, and Reintegration.

Honorable Speaker, I strongly hold the belief that establishing such committee will go a long way in providing effective oversight of the Multi sectorial Steering Committee that has been established by the President with a direct mandate to fight against drug use and abuse, which could potentially enhance a positive result in the end.

I am therefore looking forward to Plenary's endorsement of this proposal, as I have not a scintilla of doubt that this august-body will do everything legally necessary to ensure public safety.

With sentiments of the highest esteem, I remain.

Sincerely:

Hon. Amb. Ellen A. Attoh-Wreh

Representative

Electoral District #3, Margibi Co.