By Agnes M. Tarr, Legislative Reporter
The plenary of the house of Representatives has recently agreed to set up an Ad-hoc committee to work with the committee set up by the President to fight the inflow of narcotic drugs and contraband substances in the country.
Plenary took the decision on Tuesday January 30, 2024, in a regular session, following a communication proffered by Margibi County District #3 lawmaker Ellen Attoh Wreh.
On Monday January 29, 2024, during the state of the nation address President Joseph Boakai announced a task force to fight against the peddling and use of illegal drugs in the country.
But Rep. Ellen A. Attoh-Wreh thinks the setting up of the committee should have the involvement of the 55th legislature, noting that it’s a national emergency, and as such the legislature should provide effective oversight of the multisectoral steering committee.
Rep. Attoh-Wreh has fully participated in the drug law that makes drug dealing and peddling non-bailable.
Here is honorable Attoh’s communication to the house’s plenary. VERBETIM
“I would like to specifically emphasize his mention of the drug epidemic which has emerged as this generation’s greatest menace, affecting potential young men and women who have fallen prey to drug addiction thus becoming not only a burden, but existential threats to society.
“Honorable Speaker and Distinguished Members, President Boakai also made clarion call to everyone to stand in this fight together as it poses a national security threat and took a bold step by establishing a Multisectoral Steering Committee comprising of Ministries and Agencies of Government.
“Hence, this Legislature, I believe, should support the President in every way necessary to ensure that his agenda to fight drug trafficking and abuse is met.
“In the 54th Legislature, we became the co-sponsor of a landmark bill that got enacted into law and today known as the Amended Drug Law upon which H.E. Joseph Nyumah Boakai has premised his fight.
“Additionally, and as a way to get the 55th Legislature directly involved in tackling this national emergency, I hereby propose- should this meet your consent as well as Planery’s the establishment of a Leadership Committee on Drug, Rehabilitation, and Reintegration.
“Honorable Speaker, I strongly hold the belief that establishing such committee will go a long way in providing effective oversight of the multisectoral Steering Committee that has been established by the President with a direct mandate to fight against drug use and abuse, which could potentially enhance a positive result in the end.
“I am therefore looking forward to Planery’s endorsement of this proposal, as I have not a scintilla of doubt that this august body will do everything legally necessary to ensure public safety.”
