By: Saidu Jalloh
During a visit to a rehabilitation facility for Kush addicts in Hastings on Thursday morning, President Julius Maada Bio expressed deep concern over the human cost of Kush addiction and vowed a two-pronged response combining support for recovery with strong law enforcement action.
“I was deeply moved by the personal stories of pain, recovery, and the devastating impact of Kush on our people,” the President said after meeting with patients and staff. “We are committed to providing unwavering support for those affected by this menace so they can reclaim their lives.”
The President pledged expanded support for rehabilitation efforts, while also promising to pursue those involved in the supply and trafficking of Kush. “As President, I am resolutely determined to bring all those involved in this trade to justice. We will clean our streets and eliminate this threat using all lawful means available,” he added.
Officials accompanying the President toured the facility and observed counseling and treatment sessions aimed at reintegrating patients into their families and communities. The visit described by the presidency as part of a broader engagement with addiction services follows growing public concern about the social and health consequences of Kush use in various parts of the country.
The President’s remarks signal a dual approach: strengthening treatment and recovery services for users while intensifying legal action against suppliers and traffickers. While no specific measures, funding, or timelines were disclosed during the visit, the presidency indicated that further details would be released through official channels.
Community leaders and public-health advocates have repeatedly called for a balanced strategy that pairs enforcement with expanded access to rehabilitation, mental-health support, and public education. The President’s Hastings visit is likely to reignite ongoing debate over how best to combine these elements into an effective national response.
