Amb. Ballout Urges Creation of ECOWAS Drug Enforcement Agency

During the launch of the ECOWAS regional campaign “Say No to Drugs, Yes to Mental Health” held in Monrovia, Liberia Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS Parliament Representative, Amb. John Ballout, called for the urgent establishment of a dedicated ECOWAS Drug Enforcement Agency to combat the growing threat of drug abuse across West Africa. Amb. Ballout stressed that no single country can fight the drug epidemic alone, pointing to the alarming increase in drug trafficking and addiction rates in the region. He urged ECOWAS member states to unite and form a regional enforcement body that would focus not only on enforcement but also on prevention, rehabilitation, and reintegration. “Yes, it is true we need to fight drugs, but we must go after the dealers,” Amb. Ballout stated. “We must invest in rehabilitation centers, empower national drug enforcement agencies like the LDEA, and enforce drug laws while also engaging and protecting our young people.” He warned that West Africa is facing an existential crisis akin to past regional emergencies such as the Ebola outbreak, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the HIV/AIDS epidemic. “Before we opened our eyes to know what was happening, we were trapped,” he said, highlighting the difficult balance between investing in education and ensuring youth security. Amb. Ballout, recently appointed as Ambassador to Nigeria and a representative to the ECOWAS Parliament, pledged to foster strong collaboration among member states and address the disparities in their ability to combat drug-related issues. He also praised the efforts of the ECOWAS delegation, especially commending Senator Snowe for his leadership in tackling regional issues, and called for coordinated and immediate action to protect the region’s future. “Liberia should expect good governance and real representation,” he added, pledging a proactive approach in his new diplomatic role. The campaign launch is part of a broader ECOWAS initiative to raise awareness about drug abuse and promote mental health across West Africa.