Canadian Delegation Addresses Liberia’s Mental Health and Substance Abuse Crisis
The Canadian delegation visited Liberia to address the drug addiction crisis recently declared a national emergency. They engaged with interns conducting community research to tackle substance abuse and mental health challenges. A highlight was the tour of the new Liberian Learning Center, a symbol of sustainable development. The delegation’s efforts led to significant investment mobilization for Liberia’s long-term development initiatives.
On March 21, 2025, in Monrovia, a distinguished Canadian delegation convened to address Liberia’s escalating drug addiction crisis, which President Joseph Boakai has declared a national emergency. The delegation met with Canadian interns engaged in community-based research focused 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. This initiative aims to enlist cohorts of Canadian interns of African descent to conduct fieldwork in various counties, contributing to long-term solutions in Liberia.
The delegation, led by Leo Nupolu Johnson, CEO of Empowerment Squared, completed a two-day visit that reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to Liberia’s development priorities. This visit aimed at enhancing partnerships in critical sectors including education, health, and economic development. It was hosted by Ama Harris, Local Team Lead for Empowerment Squared, and Board Member Attorney Decontee King-Sackie.
Key officials from Global Affairs Canada and from the Canadian Embassy in Côte d’Ivoire, which oversees relations with Liberia, participated in the visit. The team included Marie Belanger, Amadou Kane, and Euloge Camara, who engaged with government institutions such as the Ministries of Youth & Sports, Health, and Foreign Affairs. Discussions centered on collaborative solutions to Liberia’s educational and economic challenges.
A significant highlight of the visit was a tour of the newly inaugurated Liberian Learning Center, a $2 million educational hub that symbolizes innovation and sustainability. Key features of the Center include dedicated libraries, co-working spaces for entrepreneurs, conference rooms, and a sports gymnasium. As Liberia’s first environmentally sustainable public building, it is 100% solar-powered, constructed with eco-friendly materials, and designed for energy efficiency, presenting a model for sustainable development.
Empowerment Squared has played a critical role since 2022 by mobilizing nearly $10 million USD in investments aimed at supporting Liberia’s development. Fund allocations have been directed towards educational access through the Learning Center, mental health interventions based on research, and entrepreneurship training. Leo Nupolu Johnson articulated the importance of sustained international collaboration, stating that “the partnerships we are forging between Canada and Liberia represent a shared vision for empowerment, resilience, and sustainable development.”
As the visit concluded, both Liberian and Canadian stakeholders emphasized their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation. This growing collaboration denotes a promising trajectory for Liberia’s sustainable development, underpinned by strategic investments, research initiatives, and capacity-building efforts.
In conclusion, the Canadian delegation’s visit to Liberia has underscored a strong commitment to addressing the country’s pressing challenges related to substance abuse and mental health. The partnerships cultivated during this engagement focus on sustainable development through education, health, and economic resilience. The establishment of the Liberian Learning Center represents a pivotal step towards innovative, environmentally sustainable solutions, fostering lasting change in Liberia’s social landscape.
Original Source: www.liberianobserver.com
