The Global Methodist Church (GMC) has criticized the government of Liberia’s fight against illicit drugs and substance abuse, arguing that current efforts are ineffective and incapable of addressing the growing crisis.
The Church Superintendent, Dr. Jerry Kulah, told a news conference that the government’s strategy of shutting down ghettos without investing in rehabilitation and treatment programs amounts to “wasting water on a dog’s back.”
Dr. Kulah argued that dismantling ghettos alone will not solve the problem, as thousands of young people battling drug addiction have nowhere to receive professional treatment and rehabilitation.
GMC acknowledged that churches across Liberia have been making efforts to help the youths overcome addiction but stressed that faith-based institutions cannot shoulder the burden alone.
The church also condemned those allegedly using the country as a transit point for illicit drugs, urging political leaders and other influential individuals involved in the trade to abandon the practice. Describing the country’s drug epidemic as a national emergency, the church warned that the future of the younger generation is increasingly under threat if decisive action is not taken.
However, the government has repeatedly maintained that combating drug trafficking and abuse remains a national priority, with security agencies continuing operations against suspected drug dealers and users across the country.
