In a significant move toward combating drug addiction in Liberia, Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah, the Minister of Agriculture, has welcomed two rehabilitated youths back into society, pledging to support their educational journeys.
This initiative marked a proactive approach in addressing the growing drug addiction crisis among the nation’s youth. Earlier in 2025, Minister Nuetah took five disadvantaged youths from the streets of Sinkor, Monrovia, to the New Life Recovery Center in Lower Margibi County, covering their rehabilitation and accommodation costs. Unfortunately, three of the youths escaped during the process, leaving two successful rehabilitants, Alphonso Sackor Buegar and Mark M. Morris.
In his welcome remarks over the weekend, Minister Nuetah urged the two survivors to become ambassadors of change, encouraging others struggling with addiction to seek help. “You have been rehabilitated; it is your duty now to remain determined and willing to avoid narcotic drugs to make the difference society expects of you,” he stated.
To further their education, Minister Nuetah committed to sponsoring Buegar and Morris, with plans for Buegar to attend a vocational institution and Morris to complete high school. He also pledged an initial payment of $720 for their accommodation during their studies, emphasizing the importance of education in their recovery process.
Buegar, a 2017 graduate of the Worldwide Mission School System, expressed his desire to enroll at the University of Liberia, while Morris, a high school dropout, aims to complete his studies before pursuing higher education.
In addition to supporting the youths, Minister Nuetah announced plans to provide agricultural materials to the New Life Recovery Center. This initiative aims to empower the center to cultivate its own food, enhancing self-sustainability for its residents.
“The Ministry of Agriculture will help provide the necessary agricultural materials to the ‘New Life Recovery Center,’” he assured, encouraging collaboration with parents and partners for additional support.
The administration at the New Life Recovery Center, along with the rehabilitated youths, has expressed gratitude for Minister Nuetah’s commitment to changing their lives.
The initiative aligns with President Joseph Boakai’s broader strategy to combat drug abuse in Liberia, which has intensified since his election in 2024.
The government is actively engaging communities in the fight against drug trafficking, with many citizens assisting law enforcement agencies in apprehending drug dealers.
On October 8, 2025, President Boakai further demonstrated his commitment by providing 15 new vehicles to the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) to enhance their operational capabilities.
This move underscores the administration’s dedication to creating a safer, drug-free environment for Liberia’s youth and future generations.
As Liberia continues to grapple with the challenges of drug addiction, the efforts of Minister Nuetah and the government signal a renewed commitment to safeguarding the nation’s youth and promoting their well-being through education and rehabilitation.