Canadian Delegation Addresses Liberia’s Substance Abuse and Mental Health Crisis
On March 21, 2025, a Canadian delegation, led by Empowerment Squared’s CEO Leo Nupolu Johnson, concluded a significant visit to Liberia, focusing on combatting substance abuse and mental health challenges. This initiative is part of a four-year project funded by Global Affairs Canada. The delegation toured the newly opened Liberian Learning Center, a $2 million educational hub, and emphasized deepening bilateral relations to support sustainable development.
On March 21, 2025, a Canadian delegation acknowledged the pressing drug addiction emergency in Liberia, recently declared by President Joseph Boakai. The delegation engaged with Canadian interns conducting community-based 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. Over the next three years, interns of African descent will aid Liberia’s long-term strategies for addressing substance abuse and mental health issues.
The distinguished Canadian delegation, led by Leo Nupolu Johnson, CEO of Empowerment Squared, completed a significant two-day visit to Liberia, reinforcing Canada’s dedication to Liberia’s development goals. Their engagement aims to solidify partnerships in crucial sectors, including education, health, youth empowerment, and economic development. The visit included hosting by Ama Harris and Attorney Decontee King-Sackie.
The delegation comprised senior officials from Global Affairs Canada and the Canadian Embassy in Côte d’Ivoire, which handles diplomatic relations with Liberia. Key members included Marie Belanger, Amadou Kane, and Euloge Camara, who met with various government bodies, such as the Ministries of Health and Youth & Sports, focusing on collaborative solutions for national challenges in education and public health.
A key moment of the visit was the tour of the Liberian Learning Center, a $2 million innovative hub for education and community development. The Center features facilities such as libraries, co-working spaces, conference rooms, and a gymnasium, all contributing to youth engagement. Additionally, it stands as Liberia’s most sustainable public structure, with solar power, eco-friendly materials, rainwater collection, and passive energy design.
Since 2022, Empowerment Squared has mobilized nearly $10 million USD in development investments for Liberia, of which over $5 million USD has been secured from partners like the Mastercard Foundation and Rotary International. These funds aim to enhance educational access, address substance abuse and mental health challenges, and support entrepreneurship training.
Reflecting on this diplomatic engagement, Leo Nupolu Johnson underscored the importance of ongoing international cooperation: “The partnerships we are forging between Canada and Liberia represent a shared vision for empowerment, resilience, and sustainable development.” As discussions concluded, there was a strong commitment from both Liberian and Canadian stakeholders toward enhancing bilateral cooperation and paving the way for sustainable development in Liberia.
In conclusion, the recent Canadian delegation’s visit to Liberia underscores a significant commitment to addressing the country’s mental health and substance abuse challenges. Through collaborative initiatives and strategic partnerships, the effort marks a pivotal step in long-term development. The establishment of the Liberian Learning Center and the mobilization of substantial investments reflect a promising future for Liberia, supported by sustained international cooperation.
Original Source: www.liberianobserver.com
