MONROVIA, LIBERIA-The Minister of Youth and Sports, Jeror Cole Bangalu, has sounded a strong warning against the growing crisis of drug abuse among Liberia’s youth, calling it a threat to the nation’s future and stability.
The Minister’s message was conveyed by the Acting Deputy Minister for Youth and Sport, Alphonso Belleh, at the National Youth Conference 2025, organized by the MAP Liberia Land Platform.
Minister Belleh described drug abuse as a national emergency that destroys young lives and undermines families, communities, and the country’s social and economic growth.
He emphasized the need for the Government of Liberia to provide youth-focused programs that match the demands of the modern economy and provide sustainable livelihoods.
The Acting Deputy Minister for Youth and Sports also called for greater awareness and prevention efforts, urging schools, communities, and families to engage in open dialogue about the dangers of narcotic substances.
Meanwhile, Minister Belleh encouraged Liberia’s youth to stand firm against the forces of drug abuse, to protect their rights, and pursue their ambitions.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to building a brighter, drug-free future for all young Liberians.
At the same time, Leaders of youth and disability organizations have endorsed their commitment to promoting inclusion and equality during the National Youth Conference Celebration held in Liberia.
The Executive Director of the National Association of Disabled Advocates (NADA), William Yarsiah, highlighted the platform’s continued support for youth, women, and persons with disabilities, emphasizing its efforts to promote equal access to land rights and opportunities for marginalized groups.
Director Yarsiah said,” The conference also sheds light on the challenges faced by marginalized communities, particularly persons with disabilities, who often remain excluded from major decision-making spaces”.
He concluded by urging everyone to celebrate unity and inclusivity, reaffirming that the success of Liberia’s future depends on empowering every segment of society.
Meanwhile, the participants called for stronger policies and collaboration to ensure that all Liberians enjoy equal rights and opportunities.
Also speaking, the National Coordinator of the Multi-Actor Platform, John Kelvin, underlined the importance of the National Youth Conference.
Kelvin said,” The conference focuses on empowering youth inclusion, women, persons with disabilities, land governance, and responsible investment. The program also tackled drug abuse and mental health, with the Drug Enforcement Agency participating to raise awareness and strengthen prevention efforts”.
The National Coordinator expressed optimism about Liberia’s path toward inclusive development, urging young people to take leadership roles and thanking government ministries and partners for their continued support.
The Deputy Minister for Planning and Development at the Ministry of Agriculture, David Akoi, also restated the government’s commitment to empowering young people in agriculture as a key strategy for food security and national development.
Minister Akoi commended the passion and dedication of young Liberians working on climate change, food security, and livelihood initiatives.
He revealed that twenty young Liberians have been trained in China, five are currently studying in Japan, while twenty-seven others are undergoing short-term training programs in China, noting that all are aimed at strengthening the country’s agricultural workforce.
The Deputy Minister further encouraged the youth to view agriculture not as a profession for the poor, but as a vital, modern, and profitable career path essential to Liberia’s economic growth.
Meanwhile, Minister Akoi called for unity and collaboration among young people in leadership and policy spaces, stressing that their voices are crucial in shaping national decisions.