The Global Action for Sustainable Development (GASD) has formally submitted a major policy document to the 55th Legislature titled “Legislative Proposal for the Establishment of a Statutory Institution to Lead, Coordinate, Regulate, and Strengthen Drug Prevention, Treatment, Recovery, and Rehabilitation Services in Liberia.” The submission represents a significant milestone in national efforts to address Liberia’s growing drug crisis.
During the presentation, GASD’s Director for Administration, Workteh S. Nyernie, explained that since 2018, the organization has consistently advocated for establishing a specialized statutory institution dedicated to drug demand and harm reduction. He noted that this recommendation was strengthened by GASD’s Eight‑Count Policy Recommendation released in 2024 and further reinforced by the National Petition submitted by the Say No to Drugs Campaigners to the Government of Liberia on August 7, 2025. According to him, Liberia’s response to drug use has long been fragmented across multiple sectors, yielding limited progress despite the scale of the challenge.
Mr. Nyernie emphasized that the proposal is not merely about creating another institution but about establishing a national foundation capable of addressing one of Liberia’s most pressing public health and social development challenges. He stressed that a coordinated, professional, and evidence‑based approach is urgently needed. He also underscored the critical role of the Legislature in safeguarding the welfare of the Liberian people and called for its support, guidance, and leadership to advance the proposal toward legislative consideration and eventual enactment.
The Speaker of the 55th Legislature, Honorable Richard Nagbe Koon, formally received the legislative proposal and expressed his appreciation to GASD for presenting such a timely and consequential document. He acknowledged that the submission comes at a critical moment in the nation’s history, as Liberia grapples with the far‑reaching social, economic, and public‑health consequences of rising substance use among its population.
In his remarks, the Speaker emphasized that drug abuse is not an isolated issue but one that affects every facet of Liberian society, from families and schools to communities and national institutions. He underscored the urgency of strengthening the country’s policy and institutional frameworks to ensure a coordinated, effective response to the drug crisis, noting that the Legislature has a responsibility to act decisively in the interest of public welfare and national stability.
Honorable Koon affirmed that his office remains fully committed to supporting the next steps required for legislative action. He assured that the proposal will be presented to the plenary for deliberation, where members of the Legislature can thoroughly engage with the document and consider its recommendations for potential enactment.
The Speaker reiterated his willingness to facilitate the process in every way possible, signaling the Legislature’s openness to advancing meaningful reforms that address the nation’s drug‑related challenges.
Also speaking at the engagement was the Executive Director of the Richard N. Koon Foundation, Mr. Jimes S. Doe, who reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to supporting substance abuse prevention efforts in Liberia. He highlighted the growing challenges posed by rising drug use and emphasized the need for strong partnerships, community engagement, and sustained advocacy. Mr. Doe praised GASD for its leadership in promoting evidence‑based solutions and described the collaboration as vital to strengthening national responses and supporting vulnerable populations.
In closing, GASD announced that it will continue engaging with the Speaker’s office to ensure the successful advancement of its policy recommendation through the legislative process.
