The Government of Liberia, through the Ministry of Youth and Sports, has announced that 200 at-risk youths are currently undergoing rehabilitation at the Johnsonville Holding Center as part of a sustained national effort to combat drug and substance abuse among young people. Speaking Thursday during the Ministry of Information’s regular press briefing, Minister of Youth and Sports Hon. Cole Bangalu reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to addressing the alarming rise in drug addiction, which continues to pose a significant social and public health challenge across the country.
He emphasized that the rehabilitation program is a central pillar of the government’s broader strategy to protect vulnerable youths and restore hope in affected communities. Minister Bangalu explained that the current cohort at the Johnsonville Holding Center is receiving comprehensive care that includes medical attention, psychosocial support, and continuous counseling. These services, he said, are designed to help beneficiaries overcome addiction, rebuild self-confidence, and transition toward productive and healthier lifestyles.
A key feature of the program, according to the Minister, is the integration of vocational and technical training into the rehabilitation process. He disclosed that beneficiaries are being trained in a range of skill areas including carpentry, agriculture, tailoring, masonry, and other livelihood-enhancing disciplines to ensure that they are well-prepared for reintegration into society upon completion of the program. “We believe that rehabilitation must go hand in hand with empowerment,” Minister Bangalu said. “This is why we are equipping these young people not only to recover from addiction but also to gain practical skills that will help them build sustainable futures.”
He also highlighted the government’s ongoing collaboration with development partners, civil society organizations, and community leaders to strengthen prevention, treatment, and reintegration efforts nationwide. The Minister noted that the Johnsonville initiative is one of several interventions the administration is scaling up to safeguard young Liberians from the dangers of drugs and substance abuse. Minister Bangalu assured the public that the Boakai administration remains fully committed to advancing youth development and expanding opportunities for vulnerable populations.
