The Ministry of Education has halted controversial plans to introduce mandatory drug testing for students across Liberia, a proposal earlier suggested by the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA).
LDEA’s interim head, Fitzgerald Biago, had argued that nationwide testing in schools would be a strong step toward addressing the country’s growing drug problem. His announcement sparked widespread public debate, with some hailing the idea as a necessary crackdown, while others condemned it as an invasion of privacy and a costly overreach.
Last year, President Joseph Boakai declared drug and substance abuse a national emergency. A recent European Union–backed report estimated that roughly one in five young Liberians is involved in drug use, a figure that has alarmed health and education officials alike.
But according to the Ministry of Education, no such drug-testing policy had been discussed or approved. Assistant Minister for Student Affairs, Sona Sesay-Toure, told the BBC that the Ministry was unaware of the LDEA’s proposed initiative and emphasized the need for research before any nationwide rollout.
“Let’s assume we are made aware of the proposal,” Sesay-Toure said. “It would still require proper research and a review of case studies from other countries where such initiatives have been successful.”
She also raised ethical and social concerns about the impact of testing on students.
“What happens to those who test positive?” she asked. “Do we have the social services to support them? Many could face bullying or stigma upon returning to school, which could harm their academic performance.”
Sesay-Toure disclosed that a multi-sectoral committee on drug and substance abuse, chaired by the Ministry of Health, has already been established to coordinate national efforts. The Ministry is also working to strengthen health clubs in schools as part of broader preventive measures.
President Boakai, who in August dismissed the previous LDEA leadership, recently appointed Biago, a former senior police officer, as interim head of the agency, as the government intensifies its fight against substance abuse.
Still, with the Education Ministry’s latest decision, the prospect of mandatory drug testing in Liberian schools remains off the table, at least for now.
Source: BBC
