Reiterating his administration’s commitment to the fight against the harmful drug kush, President Dr. Julius Maada Bio urged the newly recognized Paramount Chiefs to take a frontline role in protecting their communities from the devastating effects of drug abuse on Friday 31st October 2025 in Kambia town.
“Kush is a poison that destroys our youth and our future,” the President stated. “We must all work together to eliminate it. My government has already established rehabilitation facilities across the country to support recovery,” he emphasized.
Minister of Local Government and Community Affairs, Tamba Lamina, revealed that the new inductees bring the total number of Paramount Chiefs recognized since President Bio assumed office in 2018 to 77. This reflects his administration’s ongoing commitment to strengthening traditional governance structures.
Host Paramount Chief Bai Farama Tass Ngbak Bubu IV of Magbema Chiefdom welcomed the President to Kambia and reaffirmed the chieftaincy institution’s commitment to national unity and development. “Chieftaincy is the smallest but most sacred unit of governance handed down by our ancestors. We must protect its dignity,” he said, noting that Kambia has already established a rehabilitation facility to support victims of harmful drugs.
The ceremony concluded with the official presentation of Staffs of Office to the 17 newly recognized Paramount Chiefs, marking another milestone in President Bio’s ongoing engagement with traditional leadership for national development.
The President’s remarks signal a dual approach: strengthening treatment and recovery services for users while intensifying legal action against suppliers and traffickers. However, details on concrete measures, funding, or timelines were not announced during the visit. The Presidency indicated that further information would be released through official channels.
Community leaders and public health advocates have repeatedly called for a balanced strategy that combines enforcement with expanded access to rehabilitation, mental health support, and public education. The President’s Hastings visit is expected to renew debate over how best to integrate these elements into an effective national response.