Over Anti-Drug Steering Committee Report; MOH Accused of Violating FOI Law

By: Julius Konton

The Ministry of Health (MOH), serving as chair of the Government’s Anti-Drug Multi-Sectoral Steering Committee, has been accused of violating Liberia’s Freedom of Information (FOI) Law after reportedly failing 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 the 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 drugs.

He referenced a statement issued by the Executive Mansion on August 6, 2025, attributing it to President Joseph Boakai, which disclosed that the government had received a progress report from the steering committee and was launching implementation of a National Action Plan with “robust strategies” to combat drug trafficking and abuse. “It was based on this announcement that we exercised our rights under the FOI Law,” he 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 the MOH has failed to provide either the requested documents or an explanation.

“We are worried that the MOH has failed to honor or respond to our request, which is a gross violation of the FOI Law. What is the government hiding?” Koryor asked.

As part of further action, The group’s boss disclosed that it will immediately file an appeal with the Independent Information Commission (IIC) and, if necessary, pursue legal action.

“If the government doesn’t have a developed national strategy to fight drug abuse, let it be known. But the fight against drugs must be transparent and inclusive. It requires all actors,” Koryor maintained

In the wake of the fight against drugs, civil society organizations who are also part of the fight reechoed the need for a transparent, inclusive, accountable and practical action for the betterment of the people and the Country in general.