By Simeon Wiakanty l UM Newsroom
Monrovia, Liberia — August 6, 2025
Amid the proliferation of drug across Liberia, Bishop Samuel J. Quire, Jr., Resident Bishop of the Liberia Area of The United Methodist Church, has declared an all-out “war on drugs” and called on all sectors of society to join forces in the fight against drug abuse and its devastating impact on the country’s youth.
Speaking on behalf of the United Methodist Church in Liberia, Bishop Quire decried the alarming spread of drug addiction among the nation’s young people, describing it as a national crisis that is destroying homes, weakening communities, and threatening the very future of Liberia.
“Drugs are killing our future,” the Bishop stated solemnly. “About 20 percent of our youth are trapped in addiction, languishing in ghettos across our beloved country.”
Bishop Quire praised President Joseph Nyumah Boakai, Sr. for his “stern commitment” to combating drug abuse and welcomed the increasing mobilization of well-meaning citizens who are taking to the streets in protest against the proliferation of illegal substances.
However, the Bishop stressed that much more needs to be done.
“We commend the government’s stance, but we urge the authorities to double their efforts,” he said. “Strengthen the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency, equip our security forces, and ensure our judicial system can swiftly and fairly prosecute drug-related cases.”
He also called for greater investment in rehabilitation programs to help addicted youth recover and reintegrate into society.
“Let us not give up on them,” Bishop Quire urged. “They are not lost causes—they are sons and daughters of Liberia who deserve a second chance.”
Since 2021, The United Methodist Church in Liberia has been engaged in grassroots anti-drug efforts, offering counseling, awareness campaigns, and limited rehabilitation support. Now, under Bishop Quire’s leadership, the Church is ramping up its commitment.
“We declare war on drugs—not with violence, but with compassion, truth, and unrelenting determination,” the Bishop proclaimed. “We are committed to raising awareness, counseling those affected, and providing opportunities for healing.” Bishop Quire’s speech served as both a warning and a rallying cry, urging families, faith-based institutions, community leaders, and the international community to take immediate and coordinated action.
“Let us unite church, government, families, and communities to reclaim the future of Liberia’s youth. The time to act is now.”
The address has already stirred conversations across social and political circles, with many praising the Bishop’s bold stance and urging concrete follow-up actions from both the public and private sectors.
As Liberia continues to grapple with the scourge of drug addiction, Bishop Quire’s message resounds with a clear moral imperative: the fight against drugs is not just a governmental responsibility—it is a collective duty to protect the nation’s future.