By: Abubakarr Joe Sesay
When public outcry reached a crescendo in 2024 over the alarming rise in Kush abuse and its devastating effects especially on young people His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio declared a national health emergency and established the National Taskforce for Drugs and Substance Abuse. The Taskforce is chaired by Brig. Prof. Foday Sahr, Executive Director of the National Public Health Agency (NPHA).
The Taskforce was mandated to coordinate a multi-sectoral national response, leveraging the expertise of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) as well as district leadership. Its work focuses on providing strategic oversight, setting technical standards and best practices, and offering direct support to district councils.
To effectively combat the spread of Kush, the Taskforce is implementing a five-pronged strategy through five core pillars:
Public Information and Risk Communication Led by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education (MoICE), this pillar raises awareness of the dangers of Kush to prevent more citizens from becoming victims.
Community Engagement Spearheaded by the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs, this pillar strengthens community participation in the fight against drug abuse.
Treatment and Care Led by the Ministry of Health, this pillar screens victims for Kush-related ailments and provides appropriate medical treatment.
Rehabilitation and Reintegration Managed by the Ministry of Social Welfare, this pillar focuses on rehabilitating Kush victims and reintegrating them into their communities.
Law Enforcement Led by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and supported by security forces, this pillar targets the supply chain through nationwide raids, seizures, and arrests of Kush importers, manufacturers, and dealers.
Collectively, these pillars are beginning to yield results. The most critical component of the fight remains cutting the supply chain, as the Kush market can only thrive if the drug continues to be transported and distributed.
As part of tougher new measures, landlords whose properties are used to manufacture, store, or sell Kush will be arrested and charged, with the possibility of forfeiting their properties to the state. Similarly, any motorbike, tricycle (kehkeh), vehicle, or boat used to transport Kush will be seized and forfeited. These actions are designed to dismantle the logistical routes that enable trade.
There will be no letup in the national campaign to rid Sierra Leone of Kush and other harmful substances. Government has vowed to intensify the crackdown and ensure that all individuals involved in this illegal and destructive trade are brought to justice.
Citizens are strongly encouraged to play their part. Community members must report individuals involved in the Kush trade by calling 117. All reports are treated confidentially, with no risk of retaliation. Kush victims should be taken for treatment and rehabilitation not chased away or brutalized. Over 500 victims have already completed rehabilitation and are now reintegrated as productive citizens. They are referred to as “ambassadors” for their role in educating peers about the dangers of drug abuse.
Rehabilitation centers are currently operational in Hastings (Western Rural District), Gondama (Bo District), and Daru (Kailahun District), with another center soon to open in Makeni (Bombali District).
This is a national fight and only through collective effort can Sierra Leone eradicate Kush and protect its future.