Monrovia— The Liberia Alcohol Policy Alliance (LAPA) has renewed calls for stronger national measures to regulate alcohol consumption and curb the growing health, social and economic harms associated with harmful alcohol use.
By Patience M. Jones, [email protected]
The call was made during the Second National Conference on Alcohol Policy in Liberia, a two-day gathering held at the Press Union of Liberia office in Sinkor, Monrovia.
Organized by LAPA in partnership with the Ministry of Health’s Mental Health Unit, the conference brought together stakeholders from the health, justice, human rights, media, children, youth and women sectors, as well as representatives of persons with disabilities and other civil society groups.
Held under the theme, “Achieving the ARREST Agenda through the Development and Implementation of the Liberia National Alcohol Control Legislation,” the conference focused on strengthening Liberia’s alcohol-control framework and advancing the development and passage of comprehensive national legislation.
The conference also brought together the Head of Secretariat of the West African Alcohol Policy Alliance (WAAPA), government officials and other practitioners to examine measures needed to address alcohol-related harm.
WAAPA Calls for Accelerated Legislative Action
Delivering remarks, WAAPA Head of Secretariat Issah Ali said Liberia has reached a critical point in its efforts to strengthen alcohol control and must accelerate efforts toward the passage of comprehensive legislation.
Ali said the adoption of the Liberia Alcohol Control Policy was an important step forward but stressed that greater momentum is needed to translate the policy into a strong and enforceable legal framework.
He noted that the policy provides for the development of alcohol-control legislation in the third year following its adoption, urging stakeholders to advance the process.
According to Ali, the proposed legislation should address issues including underage drinking, drunk driving, enforcement, protection of schoolchildren, alcohol taxation and institutional responsibilities.
He emphasized that alcohol control cannot be achieved by one government institution alone, but requires coordinated action involving government agencies, civil society, communities, the media and young people.
Ali further urged participants to use the conference to build consensus around the content of the proposed legislation, enforcement mechanisms and the respective roles of government institutions, communities and young people.
Health Experts Warn of Alcohol-Related Harm
Speaking during a panel discussion, Dr. Moses Ziah, Director of the Mental Health Division at the Ministry of Health, described alcohol abuse as a serious public health concern.
Dr. Ziah said harmful alcohol consumption contributes to increasing health problems and places additional pressure on the country’s healthcare system.
He pointed to alcohol-related illnesses, including liver disease, among the serious health consequences associated with excessive consumption.
Dr. Ziah also referenced global health evidence indicating that alcohol does not provide an essential health benefit to the human body and that harmful consumption can damage cells and contribute to disease over time.
Justice, Revenue Stakeholders Highlight Legal and Tax Considerations
Also participating in the panel was Belle Kollie, a Research Officer and representative of the Human Rights Division of the Ministry of Justice.
Kollie encouraged LAPA and its partners to carefully consider the legal implications of proposed alcohol-control measures while maintaining a balanced approach that respects the rights of people across different categories.
Representing the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA), Assistant Commissioner Sebastian Weah said alcohol and tobacco products remain legally available despite the high tax rates imposed on their manufacturing and importation.
Weah said the LRA remains committed to contributing to efforts aimed at protecting citizens while operating within the existing legal framework.
“We have a system of law. Once LAPA and civil society continue to engage, the best thing will be to have a law, and we will strictly implement.”
Stakeholders Commit to Stronger Coordination
The conference featured a high-level panel discussion involving health, justice, human rights and revenue practitioners, who provided insights into procedural guidelines and best practices for developing and implementing an effective alcohol-control programme in Liberia.
Panelists committed their respective institutions to working with civil society and LAPA to establish a coordinated and effective framework for addressing alcohol-related challenges.
The conference reaffirmed LAPA’s commitment to stronger national action to reduce harmful alcohol consumption and protect vulnerable groups, particularly children and young people, from alcohol-related risks.
LAPA said it will continue advocating for public awareness, policy reforms and stronger legislation to address underage drinking, drunk driving, excessive alcohol consumption and other risks associated with alcohol abuse.
The conference ended with renewed calls for stakeholders to move beyond policy discussions and take concrete steps toward the enactment and implementation of comprehensive alcohol-control legislation in Liberia.
