Bong County: Authorities deny sabotage allegations in cancellation of anti-drug rally.
By Edwin N Khakie
Bong County, August 26, 2025: A prominent anti-drug advocate in Bong County has accused local authorities of sabotaging efforts to stage a major community campaign against illicit drugs, after the planned “Say No to Drugs” rally in Gbarnga was abruptly cancelled.
Jeremiah Solomon, Executive Director of the Bong County Environmental School Club Incorporated, expressed disappointment over what he described as an “unjustifiable disruption” of the event, which he said was aimed at mobilizing students, civil society groups, law enforcement agencies, and ordinary citizens in a peaceful march against drug abuse.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday, August 22, 2025, Mr. Solomon said weeks of planning and preparation were wasted despite formal notifications being sent to the Superintendent’s office, the county caucus, security agencies, and community leaders. He revealed that several security institutions, including the Liberia Immigration Service and the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency, had confirmed their participation.
According to him, organizers were only informed on the eve of the rally that the event would not go ahead, with officials citing concerns about public safety following a recent security incident in neighboring Nimba County. Mr. Solomon described the last-minute decision as “disturbing” and “a blow to the fight against drugs in Bong.”
“Gbarnga alone is home to more than 20 ghettos where many young people are trapped in addiction,” he lamented. “This cancellation sends the wrong signal to our communities, especially at a time when drug abuse has become one of the greatest threats to our nation’s future.”
He further noted that many residents, students, and community groups had gathered for the march but were forced to return home, leaving behind frustration and disappointment. Despite the setback, the campaigner vowed to push forward, declaring that his organization “will continue to stand with the people to say no to drugs even if leaders disappoint us.”
But county officials have strongly denied the allegations. Bong County Administrator Sam Bayogar Elliott said Superintendent Hawa Loleyah Norris was never formally informed about the rally. He insisted that the county remains firmly committed to supporting President Joseph Boakai’s national anti-drug campaign.
“The administration has no intention of undermining the fight against drugs,” Mr. Elliott stressed. “In fact, preparations are underway for a county-wide anti-drug awareness campaign in partnership with joint security, traditional leaders, and faith-based institutions.”
The clash of narratives underscores growing tensions around Liberia’s battle against drug abuse, a fight many see as critical to safeguarding the country’s youth from addiction and crime.
