By: Problyn J. Alpha
The Director of Concerned Citizens Governance Network (CCGN), Ibrahim Bockarie, has declared that the living consequences of drug abuse in Sierra Leone surpass those experienced during the country’s brutal civil war. He made this statement during a one-day stakeholder engagement on preventive strategies to combat drug abuse, held at the Tankoro Native Administrative Building in Koidu City, Kono District.
The engagement was part of the project Combating Kush and Other Harmful Drugs to Save Sierra Leone, implemented by CCGN in partnership with Global Green Grants. Addressing participants, Mr. Bockarie expressed deep concern over the widespread impact of drug abuse, noting that it has directly and indirectly affected every sector of the country.
He described the current kush crisis as the most devastating issue since the eleven-year civil war, stating, “From my personal observation, kush addiction appears spiritual. Victims find it extremely difficult to stop smoking it daily. If not addressed, the country will be left without a meaningful future.”
As part of its social outreach, CCGN recently donated uniforms to several pupils in Sao Chiefdom, Kono District. Mr. Bockarie emphasized that any nation that prioritizes women and children is bound to progress. He reiterated that the organization’s goal is to keep children away from drugs and to implement both preventive and curative measures especially the latter, which focuses on rehabilitating victims.
The engagement aimed to Raise awareness about the dangers of kush and other harmful drugs
Mr. Bockarie commended Tankoro Chiefdom for its proactive stance against kush, highlighting the eviction of drug peddlers from Tankoro Camp in Koidu City. He also noted that CCGN had previously recommended a public state of emergency on drug abuse a proposal that was adopted by the government within six months.
Chief Sahr Gando, Speaker of Tankoro Chiefdom, expressed his appreciation for the initiative. He urged children and youth to avoid drug abuse, warning that it undermines their God-given potential to become productive citizens. He also revealed that some community leaders had rejected bribes from influential individuals seeking to trade harmful substances.
Lawrence D. Kpangu, District Coordinator for the Office of National Security in Kono, described drug and substance abuse as a major challenge for the government. He explained that the Drug Act has been reactivated to address the crisis, which has serious social, health, and economic implications. He labeled drug peddlers as enemies of the state and encouraged citizens to share information that could help curb the menace.
Other speakers included Town Chief of New Sembehun Samuel Ndomahina, Tankoro Youth Chairman Morris Aiah Tando, and representatives from both Muslim and Christian communities. The event concluded with powerful testimonies from former kush addicts, underscoring the urgent need for continued community engagement and support.
Mr. Bockarie commended Tankoro Chiefdom for its proactive stance against kush, highlighting the eviction of drug peddlers from Tankoro Camp in Koidu City. He also noted that CCGN had previously recommended a public state of emergency on drug abuse a proposal that was adopted by the government within six months.
Chief Sahr Gando, Speaker of Tankoro Chiefdom, expressed his appreciation for the initiative. He urged children and youth to avoid drug abuse, warning that it undermines their God-given potential to become productive citizens. He also revealed that some community leaders had rejected bribes from influential individuals seeking to trade harmful substances.
Lawrence D. Kpangu, District Coordinator for the Office of National Security in Kono, described drug and substance abuse as a major challenge for the government. He explained that the Drug Act has been reactivated to address the crisis, which has serious social, health, and economic implications. He labeled drug peddlers as enemies of the state and encouraged citizens to share information that could help curb the menace.
Other speakers included Town Chief of New Sembehun Samuel Ndomahina, Tankoro Youth Chairman Morris Aiah Tando, and representatives from both Muslim and Christian communities. The event concluded with powerful testimonies from former kush addicts, underscoring the urgent need for continued community engagement and support.
