Monrovia, Liberia – The Global Methodist Church (GMC) has expressed concern over the Liberian government’s approach to combating illicit drug abuse, describing current efforts as inadequate to effectively tackle the country’s growing drug crisis.
Speaking during a press conference, the Church Superintendent, Dr. Jerry P. Kulah, criticized the government’s focus on dismantling drug ghettos without establishing rehabilitation and treatment facilities for those struggling with addiction. He likened the approach to “pouring water on a dog’s back,” suggesting that it fails to address the root causes of substance abuse.
According to Dr. Kulah, closing ghettos alone will not solve Liberia’s drug problem, as thousands of young people battling addiction have no access to professional rehabilitation services to help them recover and reintegrate into society.
The church acknowledged that faith-based organizations have been assisting vulnerable youths through counseling and spiritual support but emphasized that churches cannot bear the responsibility of addressing the crisis without stronger government intervention.
The GMC also condemned individuals allegedly using Liberia as a transit route for illicit drugs and urged public officials, political actors, and other influential figures reportedly involved in the drug trade to abandon the practice in the interest of the nation.
Describing substance abuse as a national emergency, the church warned that Liberia risks losing a generation of young people unless comprehensive measures—including prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and law enforcement—are implemented.
Meanwhile, the Liberian government has maintained that the fight against drug trafficking and substance abuse remains a top national priority, with security agencies continuing nationwide operations targeting suspected traffickers and users.
