By Edwin N. Khakie
A well-intentioned campaign aimed at tackling the growing menace of drug abuse in Bong County backfired dramatically over the weekend when some members of the “SAY NO TO DRUG” advocacy group reportedly appeared intoxicated while presenting their petition to county authorities.
The petition, intended to highlight the dangers of narcotics and rally government support in the fight against substance abuse, was presented at the Administrative Building in Gbarnga. Instead of strengthening the anti-drug message, however, the event drew widespread criticism after several campaigners were accused of being visibly drunk during the formal proceedings.
Bong County Administrative Officer, Sam Baryougah Elliott Sr., who was expected to receive the petition on behalf of the local government, could not hide his frustration at the disorganized manner in which the presentation was conducted.
“I think we need to stop here because those who came to fight against drugs are more disorganized. I will see you in the morning. Thank you for coming,” Elliott said, abruptly ending the ceremony.
His remarks, captured on video and widely circulated on social media, immediately sparked a heated public debate, casting doubt on the credibility of the campaign and exposing what many called a troubling irony.
In the aftermath, opinions have been divided across Bong County. Some citizens condemned the campaigners, describing their alleged conduct as an embarrassment that undermines the seriousness of the fight against drugs.
“How can you tell young people to stay away from drugs when you yourselves are accused of being under the influence? This is a shame to the county,” said Moses Kollie, a Gbarnga resident.
Others, however, urged the public not to dismiss the broader purpose of the campaign because of the actions of a few.
“This is a serious national issue. Drugs are destroying our young people, and the government must not allow the mistakes of a few to overshadow the entire campaign,” argued Famata Massaquoi, another resident of Gbarnga.
Drug abuse has become one of Liberia’s most pressing social challenges, with Bong County identified as one of the hotbeds of the crisis. Local communities have repeatedly complained about the rise in “zogos” a term commonly used to describe disadvantaged youth, many of whom are addicted to narcotic substances and live on the fringes of society.
The Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) has frequently raised alarms about the lack of adequate resources to confront the crisis. Special Agent Alassan Dolly, Chief of Operations for the Bong Detachment, has on multiple occasions appealed for logistical and mobility support, stressing that without government backing, the agency cannot effectively combat the increasing flow of illegal substances into the county.
The weekend incident has reignited conversations around the role of civil society groups and advocacy movements in the national drug fight. Some citizens within Gbarnga say that while advocacy is crucial, campaigners must lead by example if they want to build public trust and compel the government to take more decisive action.
“Advocacy must be disciplined and credible. If those speaking against drugs are accused of being intoxicated, it sends the wrong message to the very people they are trying to influence,” said T. Varney Kollie.
Meanwhile, organizers of the “SAY NO TO DRUG” campaign had not released an official statement addressing the allegations. However, sources close to the group disclosed that they are planning to return to the county administration in the coming days to “properly present” their petition.
Despite the controversy, many citizens maintain that the fight against narcotic substances must remain a priority, warning that the drug epidemic poses an existential threat to Liberia’s future.
“The campaign may have stumbled, but the message is still urgent,” said Massaquoi. “If we don’t confront drugs now, we risk losing an entire generation.”
