The mayor of Ganta City, Samuel S. Hardt, Sr., has vehemently denied allegations of colluding with the local business community to facilitate the escape of a notorious drug dealer, Prince Charles Taylor, from police custody. He characterized the news report carrying these accusations as false, misleading, and a deliberate attempt to undermine the collective anti-drug efforts of his office, the business community, and the residents of Ganta. Mayor Hardt insists that neither he nor the business community played any role in Taylor’s escape, asserting that Taylor absconded from the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) detention facility after being granted permission to use the bathroom. He emphasized the collaborative efforts of the Ganta Business Association, citizens, and the City Corporation in combating the pervasive drug problem plaguing Liberia’s youth.
Mayor Hardt highlighted the city’s proactive stance against narcotics, referencing a recent citywide parade held on August 15, 2025, demonstrating their commitment to the fight against drugs. This initiative, he explained, was inspired by President Joseph Boakai’s declaration of illicit drugs as a national health emergency, a declaration that resonated strongly within the Ganta community. Since the launch of this intensified campaign, Mayor Hardt reported significant progress, including the demolition of over ten drug dens, two of which were notorious havens for drug users and traffickers, posing significant security threats to the city.
The ongoing campaign, according to Mayor Hardt, has also resulted in the arrest of seven suspected drug dealers. He stressed the transparent and accountable nature of these arrests, noting that they were conducted in the presence of LDEA officers, Liberia National Police (LNP), and members of the media. Furthermore, he highlighted the collaborative approach taken by law enforcement and the community, with searches and arrests being spearheaded by the LDEA and LNP, supported by the Ganta Anti-Drug and Crime Community Taskforce. This taskforce, established by the mayor’s office in partnership with security agencies and community members, plays a crucial role in curbing the proliferation of illegal drugs and restoring order within the community.
Mayor Hardt expressed his disappointment at the media’s failure to acknowledge the significant contributions of Ganta’s citizens in combating the drug problem. He viewed the allegations against him and the business community as a regrettable and disheartening attempt to downplay the sacrifices made by the people of Ganta and surrounding towns. He deemed the report a smear campaign designed to overshadow the remarkable achievements and dedication of the community in their fight against drugs. He characterized the report as frustrating and a sad attempt to diminish the efforts of patriotic Liberians in Ganta.
The mayor underscored the importance of unity, honesty, and responsibility in tackling the drug crisis, emphasizing that it is a national security issue that transcends sensationalism and personal attacks. He urged media outlets to refrain from being used as platforms to discourage patriotic Liberians engaged in the fight against drugs, emphasizing that this struggle is not merely local, but a national concern. He reiterated the importance of focusing on the collective efforts and progress being made rather than spreading misinformation and undermining the morale of those committed to addressing this critical issue.
Mayor Hardt’s vehement denial and detailed account of the city’s anti-drug efforts serve as a strong rebuttal to the allegations. His emphasis on community involvement, transparency in arrests, and the establishment of a dedicated task force underscores the proactive approach taken by Ganta City in addressing the drug problem. His criticism of the media’s focus on allegations rather than the positive strides made by the community speaks to a broader concern about responsible reporting and the importance of highlighting the ongoing efforts of those combating the drug crisis in Liberia. The mayor’s statement serves as a call for unity and a reminder that the fight against drugs requires a collective, national effort.
