Authorities at the Ministry of Health (MOH), serving as chair of government’s Anti-Drug Multi-Sectoral Steering Committee, have been accused of violating the Freedom of Information (FOI) Law.
This followed MoH reported failure to respond to a formal request for documents filed by the Global Action for Sustainable Development (GASD).
According to GASD Executive Director, James Koryor, the request was filed on August 11, 2025, and officially received by the MOH on August 13, 2025.
The organization, which works on substance abuse prevention and drug policy reforms, had sought access to government’s National Action Plan and the progress report of the steering committee.
Koryor argued that the request was made in line with the FOI Law to ensure civil society organizations can align their programs with government priorities and foster inclusive collaboration in the fight against illegal drugs.
He referenced a statement issued by the Executive Mansion on August 6, 2025, attributing it to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, which disclosed that government had received a progress report from the steering committee.
The Committee, Koryor claimed, had launched an implementation of a National Action Plan with “robust strategies.”
The strategies, was to combat drug trafficking and abuse.
“It was based on this announcement that we exercised our rights under the FOI Law,” Koryor explained.
Despite the legal requirement under section 4.1 of the FOI Law, which mandates that public authorities must respond to information requests within 30 days, GASD says MoH, has failed to provide either the requested documents or an explanation.
“We are worried that MoH failure to honor or respond to our request is a gross violation of the FOI Law. What is the government hiding?” Koryor rhetorically asked.
As part of further action, he disclosed that it will immediately file an appeal with the Independent Information Commission (IIC), and if necessary, pursue legal action.
“If the government does not have a developed national strategy to fight drug abuse; the fight against drugs must be transparent and inclusive. It requires all actors,” Koryor said.
In the wake of the fight against drugs, civil society organizations that are also part of the fight, reechoed the need for a transparent, inclusive, accountable and practical action for the betterment of the country.