By: Thaimu Bai Sesay
In a bid to combat the rampant spread and devastating impact of the lethal drug Kush, the Parliamentary Oversight Committee on Works convened a crucial session on Monday, March 18th, 2024, at Parliament Committee Room one. The meeting brought together key stakeholders including the Sierra Leone Police, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Authorities of the Ports, the National Revenue Authority, and various other government agencies.
Led by the Chairman of the Committee and Deputy Leader of Government Business, Hon. Bashiru Silikie, the session aimed to address the escalating menace posed by Kush and assess the strategies being employed to counter its proliferation across the nation. Expressing deep concern over the alarming levels of Kush addiction, Hon. Silikie emphasized the necessity for unwavering commitment from all stakeholders and urged against any compromise in tackling the crisis.
Highlighting the gravity of the situation, Hon. Silikie emphasized the need for potential legislative measures to augment existing laws, with the ultimate goal of mitigating the consumption and dangers associated with Kush. He underscored the imperative for a unified and concerted effort in combating the Kush epidemic, calling upon all agencies to prioritize the nation’s interests above all else.
Echoing Hon. Silikie’s sentiments, Hon. Dickson Rogers, the Chief Whip of Parliament, raised allegations suggesting Sierra Leone’s role as a transit hub for the distribution of Kush to other regions. He implored for collaborative action among stakeholders and emphasized the crucial role of the judiciary in addressing the crisis.
In a bipartisan appeal, Hon. Aaron Aruna Koroma, Deputy Opposition Leader 2, emphasized the need for a collective and non-partisan approach akin to previous responses to health crises such as Ebola and Coronavirus. He advocated for comprehensive data collection and dissemination to inform effective policy interventions.
Providing insights into ongoing efforts, Andrew J. Kai-Kai, Executive Director of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency, outlined initiatives including the establishment of rehabilitation centers and community engagement programs aimed at raising awareness about Kush’s detrimental effects. However, he also highlighted operational challenges, including staffing shortages and inadequate resources, urging government support.
Mohamed Hajii Kella, Deputy Minister of Social Welfare, underscored the multifaceted impact of Kush on society and outlined collaborative efforts to identify and rehabilitate affected individuals. Dr. Sartie Kenneh, Chief Medical Officer of the Ministry of Health and Sanitation, emphasized the urgency of the situation, citing alarming statistics on drug consumption among youths.
Yakuba Aksie Bio, Director General of the Port Authority, and Jeneba J. Bangura, Commissioner General of the National Revenue Authority, emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts to intercept drug shipments at border points and called for a review of existing drug-related legislation.
In his address, Inspector General of the Sierra Leone Police, William Fayia Sellu, stressed the need for a holistic approach involving law enforcement, communities, and religious leaders. He highlighted operational challenges and called for stricter penalties for offenders.
As discussions unfolded, Members of Parliament reiterated the urgency of the situation, calling for decisive action including the declaration of a State of Health Emergency by the President.
The parliamentary session underscored the grave threat posed by the Kush epidemic and underscored the imperative for swift and decisive action to safeguard public health and national security.