The ECOWAS parliamentary awareness mission on drug abuse and mental health, currently in Monrovia, Liberia, held discussions with ministerial authorities, including Foreign Affairs, Health, Education, Gender, Children and Social Protection, Youth and Sports, and the Mayor of Monrovia, on Monday, August 4, 2025.
This meeting was part of the mission’s efforts to raise awareness about the escalating challenges posed by substance abuse and mental health disorders in West Africa.
In her speech, a member of the ECOWAS Parliamentary mission, Hon. Veronica Kadie Sesay, emphasised the gravity of the situation, stating “The dangers of drug abuse and its associated public health and socio-economic consequences are alarming. We must take urgent action to combat this menace.” Her statement underscored the urgency of addressing the issue to mitigate its far-reaching impacts on the community.
The deliberations stressed the dangers of drug abuse and its associated public health and socio-economic consequences. Stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to an uncompromising fight against drug trafficking networks.
Orlando Pereira Dias, Chairman of the ECOWAS Committee on Health, stated, “We advocate for strengthened efforts in the three-pronged approach: prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation.” This approach aims to tackle the issue from multiple angles to ensure a comprehensive response.
Particular emphasis was placed on the need to create employment opportunities for youth to steer them away from the grip of drug addiction. Hon. Sesay added, “Particular emphasis must be placed on empowering our youth through job creation, giving them alternatives to the grip of drug addiction.” By focusing on youth empowerment, the mission aims to address one of the root causes of drug abuse and provide young people with positive pathways to pursue.
The mission’s engagement with Liberian authorities demonstrates the ECOWAS Parliament’s commitment to addressing substance abuse and mental health issues across West Africa.
Through such initiatives, the parliament seeks to foster a regional response to a problem that transcends national borders.