Canadian Delegation Addresses Liberia’s Mental Health and Substance Abuse Crisis

A Canadian delegation visited Liberia to address the national drug addiction crisis, engaging with local interns in substance abuse research. The meeting involved discussions on education and health, alongside a tour of the Liberian Learning Center, a key development hub. Empowerment Squared has mobilized nearly $10 million for Liberia, emphasizing the importance of international partnerships for sustainable development.

On March 21, 2025, a Canadian delegation recognized the pressing drug addiction crisis in Liberia, recently declared a national emergency by President Joseph Boakai. This delegation engaged with Canadian interns conducting research on substance abuse and mental health as part of a four-year initiative funded by Global Affairs Canada, in collaboration with Empowerment Squared and McMaster University.

The initiative involves multiple cohorts of Canadian interns of African descent who will undertake fieldwork in Montserrado, Margibi, and Grand Bassa counties over the next three years. Their contributions aim to further Liberia’s long-term strategies to combat substance abuse and mental health issues.

The delegation, led by Leo Nupolu Johnson, CEO of Empowerment Squared, completed a significant two-day visit to Liberia, reinforcing Canada’s dedication to addressing Liberia’s national development priorities. The visit, hosted by Ama Harris, Local Team Lead of Empowerment Squared in Liberia, and Attorney Decontee King-Sackie, a Board Member, focused on establishing enduring partnerships across key sectors including education, youth empowerment, health, and economic development.

Included in the delegation were senior officials from Global Affairs Canada and the Embassy of Canada in Côte d’Ivoire, which oversees diplomatic relations with Liberia. The team engaged with critical government institutions such as the Ministries of Youth & Sports, Health, and Foreign Affairs, discussing potential collaborations to tackle significant national issues, particularly in education and public health.

A notable highlight was the tour of the newly established Liberian Learning Center, a $2 million hub promoting education and community development. This center features essential resources such as a library, co-working spaces for entrepreneurs, and a sports gymnasium. It stands as Liberia’s most environmentally sustainable public building, utilizing solar energy, eco-friendly construction materials, and efficient water management systems.

Empowerment Squared has mobilized nearly $10 million USD in investments since 2022 for Liberia’s development efforts. With over $5 million secured from partners including the Mastercard Foundation and Rotary International, these investments support educational access, substance abuse interventions, and entrepreneurship training in the country.

Leo Nupolu Johnson emphasized the significance of international collaboration, stating, “The partnerships we are forging between Canada and Liberia represent a shared vision for empowerment, resilience, and sustainable development. This visit reaffirms our commitment to building impactful programs that transform lives and strengthen communities.”

As the visit concluded, both Liberian and Canadian stakeholders reiterated their determination to enhance bilateral cooperation, indicating a robust future for Liberia’s sustainable development fueled by collaborative investments, research, and capacity-building initiatives.

In summary, the Canadian delegation’s visit to Liberia significantly highlights the urgent need to tackle substance abuse and mental health challenges through collaborative international efforts. The establishment of the Liberian Learning Center exemplifies innovative approaches in educational and sustainable development. Moreover, the substantial investments mobilized by Empowerment Squared reflect a commitment to Liberia’s long-term growth, strengthening the partnership between Canada and Liberia for a promising and stable future.

Original Source: www.liberianobserver.com