Opposition political leader Alexander B. Cummings of the Alternative National Congress (ANC) is expected to launch a major rehabilitation initiative aimed at addressing the growing drug addiction crisis among Liberian youth. According to information gathered by this paper, Cummings, along with several executives of the ANC, will on today, Monday, September 22, visit the Destiny Recovery Program facility located in Battery Factory, Montserrado County.
The visit is intended to conduct an assessment of the center to determine its capacity to host disadvantaged young people, particularly from the West Point Township, who are battling substance abuse. If the facility is found suitable, dozens of at-risk young men and women will be relocated to the Destiny Recovery Program for rehabilitation and reintegration into society. The Destiny Recovery Program, situated along the Japan Freeway, has long been engaged in providing counseling, detoxification, and skills training for individuals struggling with drug dependency. This intervention follows a recent outreach program organized by the ANC Youth Congress, which engaged with hundreds of disadvantaged youth in the densely populated West Point community.
During that engagement, many victims of drug addiction appealed for urgent support and sustainable rehabilitation opportunities to help them break free from the cycle of substance abuse. Speaking at the outreach, Cummings stressed that while rehabilitation centers and community support are vital, the government must step up efforts in dismantling the networks behind drug importation. He accused certain officials of colluding with major drug dealers to the detriment of Liberia’s young people. “The government must take the lead, stop the importation, and go after the big fish,” Cummings declared.
“It is not enough to go after the street-level dealers while those at the top continue to profit. We need accountability at all levels, and those in power must be willing to hold the big names behind the drug trade responsible.” Cummings, a former presidential candidate, emphasized that rehabilitation efforts must go hand in hand with stronger enforcement measures, warning that Liberia risks losing an entire generation if the drug crisis is not confronted head-on.
The ANC’s plan to partner with rehabilitation centers signals a community-driven approach to addressing one of Liberia’s most pressing social challenges. Many observers see this initiative as both a humanitarian effort and a call for the government to prioritize policies that tackle the root causes of drug abuse while offering recovery paths for its victims. Would you like me to frame this in a neutral journalistic tone, or should I keep Cummings’ voice strong and slightly advocacy-focused?
Author: Zac T. Sherman
