Aruna Turay, AYV News, October 23, 2025
Former Minister of Social Welfare, Gender and Children’s Affairs, Dr Sylvia Olayinka Blyden OOR, has warned that youths taking Kush affects not only them but all of us in society.
In a social media post, Dr Blyden said, “We lose man-power (human capital). We lose population strength and most of all, their addiction makes them become criminals, threatening the peace with crimes just to get money to fuel their need for the Kush drug”.
In recent years, Sierra Leone has witnessed a disturbing rise in the use and addiction to a dangerous synthetic drug known as Kush. This highly addictive substance, often smoked or mixed with other drugs, has rapidly become one of the most pressing public health and social challenges in the country.
Kush is a synthetic drug, sometimes laced with a mixture of harmful chemicals, including cannabis, fentanyl, tramadol, formalin, and even human bones, according to some reports. Its exact composition varies, making it unpredictable and even more dangerous.
Hospitals and mental health institutions are overwhelmed. The Sierra Leone Psychiatric Hospital in Kissy, for instance, has reported an increase in drug-related admissions. Families are struggling to care for addicted relatives, while communities are becoming more unsafe due to the rise in drug-related crimes.
The government, through the Ministry of Social Welfare, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, and civil society groups, has launched campaigns to combat Kush use. Efforts include public awareness, community outreach, and calls for the rehabilitation of affected individuals. Religious leaders and traditional authorities are also playing roles in raising alarms and offering community support.
Addressing the Kush epidemic requires a multi-sectoral approach — stricter law enforcement against importers and dealers, expanded mental health services, youth empowerment, and education. Parents, schools, and communities must also remain alert and supportive of young people at risk.
Kush addiction is not just a drug issue; it is a national emergency threatening the future of Sierra Leone’s youth. Urgent, coordinated action is needed to save lives and rebuild affected communities.
