One of Sierra Leone’s opposition political parties, the National Grand Coalition (NGC) has urged government to disrupt the Supply Chain of the killer drug, Kush if they to want eradicate is in the country and save its young population.
The NGC’s Acting Deputy Secretary-General, Alhaji K. Tarawally said: “It is imperative to implement stringent measures that target and dismantle the supply chain of Kush at its roots, preventing the flow of this drug into our communities”.
He made the urgent call on President Dr. Julius Maada Bio and his administration for decisive governmental action, while outlining a five-point action plan to address and mitigate this critical situation.
The NGC further urged the government to formally declare a national emergency, unlocking necessary resources and heightening national awareness to combat the epidemic effectively.
The NGC advocated for an exhaustive, impartial crackdown by law enforcement and the Sierra Leone Police to apprehend and prosecute the kingpins driving the Kush trade, thus upholding justice impartially.
The Party believed that there is a pressing need to construct dedicated rehabilitation facilities nationwide, which would provide specialised care and rehabilitation services to those afflicted and aid their societal reintegration.
Concluding, the NGC insisted that the government approach the Kush issue as a severe public health crisis, necessitating a comprehensive strategy similar to other national epidemics, noting that the stark shortcomings of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency, as highlighted by the Executive Director Andrew Jaiah Kaikai, reflects the government’s inadequate response to the drug abuse problem in Sierra Leone.
The Agency’s operational paralysis due to insufficient staffing, resources, and utilities is inexcusable and casts doubt on the government’s dedication to resolving this issue.
The devastating impact of the Kush epidemic is undeniable, with a significant toll on the youth of Sierra Leone.
Amidst the nation’s pressing socio-economic challenges, the youth are particularly vulnerable, with increasing numbers succumbing to the allure of substances like Kush. The NGC called for proactive leadership to address the nation’s plight’s manifestations and root causes through sustainable initiatives that foster job creation, strengthen education and healthcare systems, and inspire hope for a brighter future.
“It is time to move beyond mere social media commentary from government officials. President Bio and his administration must demonstrate the urgency and determination that the gravity of the national crisis warrants.
“The NGC remains committed to supporting a concerted national effort to eliminate the scourge of Kush and to restore the societal foundations for the prosperity of all Sierra Leoneans. As a political entity devoted to transformational change, the NGC remains steadfast in its dedication to responsible governance, accountability, and the sustainable advancement of Sierra Leone”. Alhaji K. Tarawally assured.