By: Thaimu Bai Sesay
Prior to implementing unified robust legislative decisions against Kush marketers, the Parliament of the Republic of Sierra Leone unanimously agreed on Tuesday, March 12th, 2024, to first summon the leadership of certain institutions expected to be at the forefront of the Kush fight for questioning.
After presenting the motion in Parliament, it was conscientiously agreed to invite the following leadership of institutions to Committee Room 1 at 11:00 am on Monday, March 18th, 2024, to answer relevant questions: the leadership of the Sierra Leone Port Authority (SLPA), the leadership of the Sierra Leone Police (SLP), the leadership of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDELA), and the leadership of the National Revenue Authority (NRA).
In his statement in Parliament, the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Sengepoh Thomas, emphasized the necessity of considering Kush as a public health emergency, likening it to a pandemic. He recounted the adverse effects the dangerous substance had on promising youths in the country. The Deputy Speaker also cautioned MPs to be vigilant about their food, as there have been cases of Kush being administered without consent.
Refuting claims of Kush being imported, the Hon. Leader of Government Business, Mathew Nyuma, confirmed that Kush is being produced in Sierra Leone. He explained that Kush is formed by combining different substances to create a drug, making detection difficult. Hon. Nyuma expressed sympathy for Kush victims after witnessing their mistreatment in a video clip. He advocated for the Government to prioritize chasing Kush marketers rather than victims, citing enforcement as a major challenge.
The Hon. Leader of Government Business urged the Government to treat Kush as a public health emergency, suggesting strategies similar to those used to combat sexual violence, such as arresting and prosecuting marketers. He emphasized the importance of proactive measures against Kush.
In his contribution to the debate, the Opposition Leader, Hon. Abdul Kargbo, acknowledged the points raised by the Leader of Government Business and cited relevant constitutional provisions for addressing such situations. He called for collaboration and communication with the President to devise effective measures against the Kush menace.
MP Veronica Kadie Sesay expressed deep concern about the suffering of Kush addicts, emphasizing their importance as constituents and potential leaders in society. She expressed satisfaction with the unified decision of Parliament to address the Kush menace.
