By: Audrey Raymonda John
On Sunday, 23 November 2025, the Beretay Movement for Development Anti-Drugs Campaign led a major community engagement initiative aimed at combating kush and other harmful substances, including tramadol, in the Susan’s Bay community at Guinea Wharf, Freetown.
The event, held under the theme “Let’s Save Mama Salone and Say No to Kush and Other Harmful Drugs,” brought together community leaders, youth, residents, police personnel, and political representatives in a unified stand against drug abuse.
Since its establishment in 2019, the Beretay Movement for Development has played a pivotal role in community support, particularly in Central One, contributing to infrastructure development and recently leading efforts to fight drug abuse.
Speaking at the event, Lawyer Musa Beretay, CEO of the movement, opened with a local song titled “If dem nor tire for take, we nor tire for tok am” (“If they don’t stop taking drugs, we won’t stop talking about it”), stressing that substances like kush and tramadol continue to destroy the lives of young people in Sierra Leone. He called on all stakeholders to unite with the same spirit that helped the nation overcome the rebel war, the Ebola outbreak, and COVID-19. “If we stand together as a community, we will surely win the fight against kush and other harmful substances,” he emphasized.
Lawyer Beretay described the rise of kush consumption as “unfortunate and appalling,” reminding youth that they are the leaders of tomorrow and must focus on activities that prepare them for national leadership. He underscored that combating drug abuse is everyone’s responsibility.
Highlighting legal consequences, Beretay cited the National Drugs Control Act of 2008, which prescribes life imprisonment for individuals found guilty of possessing or dealing in illegal drugs. He also explained that properties acquired through drug proceeds are subject to confiscation under the law. He encouraged community members to pursue honest and peaceful sources of income and stated that he would not defend anyone caught selling or possessing kush or other harmful substances. He urged parents to avoid selling drugs to other people’s children, just as they would protect their own.
Beretay pledged to extend the campaign to schools, expressing concern over the increasing sale of tramadol to schoolchildren. He also committed to working with the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) and the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to make Susan’s Bay a kush-free community.
Mohamed Fofanah, Chairman of the Beretay Foundation, praised Beretay’s long-standing contributions, noting his continuous engagement since 2019, including support during the Ebola outbreak and devastating fire incidents in Susan’s Bay. Fofanah highlighted that Beretay invests in his community even without holding political office.
Representing the All-People’s Congress (APC), Strasser King commended Beretay’s developmental initiatives and urged parents to stop sending children to buy cigarettes and other harmful substances, warning that such actions expose them to drug addiction. He assured that the APC will continue to condemn the use and sale of dangerous drugs nationwide.
Hassan Kamara, newly appointed Officer-in-Charge of the Susan’s Bay Police Post, lauded the foundation’s efforts, emphasizing that the fight against kush is a national issue, not political or religious. He condemned the practice of giving small amounts of money to drug-dependent youths to run errands, describing it as exploitative.
The Susan’s Bay Community Chief, Pa Alimamy, expressed gratitude to Beretay and condemned those who profit from drug sales while destroying the future of Sierra Leone’s youth. She called on the community to unite against the drug menace. Sheik Moses offered prayers for the foundation, asking for divine provision to sustain the campaign.
Medical practitioner Dr. Musa Suma educated attendees on the harmful effects of kush and tramadol, explaining their chemical composition and severe dangers to human health.
The APC Chairman for Susan’s Bay, Abdul Sesay, praised the foundation’s commitment and urged stakeholders to intensify their involvement, emphasizing that the fight against drugs is a shared responsibility.
The event concluded with a strong pledge from all stakeholders to work collectively toward making Susan’s Bay and Sierra Leone free from kush and other harmful substances.