By P. Uriah Suah
GANTA, Nimba County – More than 80 students from several high schools in Ganta have participated in a day-long awareness campaign aimed at discouraging drug abuse among young people and promoting a drug-free society.
The campaign, organized by the Mount Nimba Institute of Leadership and Motivational Studies, brought together students, legal practitioners, law enforcement officers, and other stakeholders over the weekend at the John Wesley Pearson School campus under the theme “Break the Chain of Drug Abuse, Secure Your Future “.
Speaking to reporters, the Institute’s Executive Director, Mr. Emmanuel Woleh, described the event as a success, noting that it provided students with practical education on the dangers of drug abuse and the importance of collective action in addressing the growing concern.
Woleh said professionals, including officers of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) and a magistrate from the Ganta Magisterial Court, engaged participants on the legal, social, and personal consequences of drug abuse.
He disclosed that the Institute intends to work with participating students to establish a sustained anti-drug advocacy network across their respective schools.
“We expect these young people to serve as our ambassadors on their various campuses as we continue engaging them on the importance of fighting together for a drug-free society,” Woleh said.
He explained that his commitment to youth development is driven by the need to address societal challenges through education, mentorship, and practical leadership initiatives beyond the traditional classroom setting.
According to him, empowering young people with the right knowledge and values is essential to preparing responsible future leaders.
Meanwhile, student participants welcomed the initiative, describing it as an opportunity to acquire knowledge about drug prevention and encourage their peers to avoid substance abuse.
Titema Patricia Zao, Acting President of the Excellence Faith Academy o, said the awareness had equipped her with lessons she intends to share with fellow students through community engagement and school-based advocacy.
Similarly, Madison Peatan, a student of Young Men’s Christian Academy (Ganta YMCA), called for collaboration among students, community members, government institutions, and law enforcement agencies to strengthen the fight against drug abuse.
Another participant, Alice Wheon of Daytollon Memorial Institute, said the campaign had strengthened her determination to discourage drug use among her colleagues.
The students also expressed concern over the increasing involvement of young people in substance abuse, emphasizing the need for peer education and collective responsibility.
The Mount Nimba Institute of Leadership and Motivational Studies says it will continue engaging young people through educational and leadership initiatives aimed at building responsible citizens and addressing social challenges in Nimba County.
