FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE. PRESIDENT BOAKAI MEETS “SAY NO TO DRUGS” CAMPAIGN LEADERS, RECEIVES PETITION, AND REINFORCES SUPPORT TO NATIONAL FIGHT AGAINST DRUG ABUSE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE. PRESIDENT BOAKAI MEETS “SAY NO TO DRUGS” CAMPAIGN LEADERS, RECEIVES PETITION, AND REINFORCES SUPPORT TO NATIONAL FIGHT AGAINST DRUG ABUSE

August 8, 2025

Executive Mansion, Monrovia –: President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. today hosted a lengthy meeting with the leadership of the “Say No to Drugs” Campaign at the Executive Mansion, where the group formally presented a petition outlining urgent actions needed to curb the scourge of drug abuse across Liberia. The President highlighted his Administration’s commitment to work closely with the campaign and other stakeholders to ensure lasting impact in the fight against drugs.

The meeting brought together a passionate and determined leadership team of the “Say No to Drugs” Campaign, including:
• Josephine Kolubah (JoJo) – Lead on Publicity and Mobilization
• Sonnie Kollie – Lead Organizer
• Lovetta Bailey – Lead on Finance
• Moriah Yeakula Korkpor – Lead on Legal and Communication
• Roseline Amah Giddings – Face of the Victim Mothers
• Anthony Nimely – Face of the Victims
• Wheamar Dordy – Team Member

In an emotional highlight of the engagement, Mr. Anthony Nimely shared his personal story of trials and resilience, recounting how he spent 14 years in the ghetto battling substance abuse before reclaiming his life. Today, he stands as a voice for victims and a symbol of hope, fully committed to the national campaign against drugs. His testimony underscored the human cost of addiction and the urgent need for both preventive and rehabilitative measures.

The petition presented by the campaigners called for stronger enforcement of drug laws, expanded rehabilitation and counseling services, nationwide public awareness campaigns, and greater community engagement. The document also stressed the need for government–civil society partnerships to address the root causes of drug abuse and to safeguard Liberia’s young people from falling prey to substance dependency.

President Boakai engaged in a frank and constructive discussion with the team, praising their dedication and courage. He assured them that his Government will provide its fullest support to this cause, mobilizing all necessary resources and ensuring that the fight against drug abuse yields tangible, lasting results.

Joining the President at the meeting were senior government officials, including Acting Minister of State Hadja Mamaka Bility, Inspector General of Police Col. Gregory Coleman, Political Advisor MacDella Cooper, Senior Advisor Dr. Augustine Konneh, Director General of the Cabinet Nathanial Kwabo, Mr. Anthony K. Souh, Acting Director of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Authority (LDEA), Presidential Press Secretary Kula Bonah Nyei Fofana, Deputy Minister of State for Public Affairs Anthony Kesselly, and Assistant Minister of State for Special Services George Marshall.

The Liberian Leader apprised members of the delegation of urgent measures that Government has embarked upon, assuring that his Administration welcomes views and suggestions from every quarter of the society so that this threat can be confronted collectively.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to coordinated action at uniting government institutions, law enforcement, community leaders, and advocacy groups to confront the drug crisis with urgency, compassion, and resolve.