By Grace Q. Bryant
The House of Representatives has unanimously voted for the Executive branch of government, through its Steering Committee on the Combat Against Illicit Substances, to require a Drugs Clearance Certificate for employment, admissions, and enrollment in both public and private sectors.
The House’s decision aligns with Section 14.101 of the new Drugs Law, which states that applicants seeking enrollment, employment, or admission into public institutions must obtain a drug clearance certificate. Failure to comply may result in denial of application, admission, or employment.
The law is styled: “An act to amend chapter 14, offenses involving danger to person, title 26, penal code, Liberia codes revised by adding thereto subchapter (e) under the title controlled drug and substance act of 2023”
It reads: “Drug Clearance; Upon the coming into force of this revised Act, it shall be required that every applicant desiring to enroll, [be] employed or admitted into a public institution, shall be required to submit to obtain clearance before admission, employment or enrollment at such public institutions. It shall also be required of private institutions to institute such measures to give effect to this section. Failure to comply with this requirement shall be a valid reason for denying your application, admission, and employment.”
The Plenary’s decision followed a communication from Grand Bassa County District 5 representative, Thomas Goshua, who chairs the House’s War on Drugs Committee, urging action to combat substance abuse. Additionally, members of the House voted for mandatory drug testing.
According to Rep. Goshua’s communication, “I hereby commit to ensure that the House, through this Committee, join ranks with the LDEA and other institutions concerned, to energize the fight against drugs and substance abuse.
“I think that Plenary should set an example by adhering to this provision and subsequently mandate all public officials, public and private institutions, to conform to what the law mandates by subjecting everyone in this category to a drug test,” he emphasized.
“I am of the belief that by doing this, we will be helping the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency to curb the growing menace of drug. I am hopeful of receiving your endorsement on this proposal,” he noted.
It can be recalled that President Boakai declared the proliferation of drugs and substance abuse as a National Health Emergency and further assured of his government’s commitment to swiftly and decisively nipping the problem in the bud.
Delivering his Annual Message on Monday, February 29, President Boakai declared the drug epidemic a National Health Emergency and emphasized his government’s commitment to addressing substance abuse issues promptly.
The Presidential Steering Committee, chaired by the Ministry of Health, includes relevant ministries and agencies to combat drug addiction and its impact on Liberians, especially young people.
Meanwhile, House Chief Clerk, Mildred Siryon, was instructed by the leadership of the Lower House to convey the directive from the House’s plenary to the committee, and by extension, the office of President Joseph Boakai.
