The Honorable Minister of Information and Civic Education, Mr. Chernor Bah, has provided unequivocal assurance to the public regarding the unwavering determination of the Government to address the escalating issue of drug (kush) proliferation.
Minister Bah’s assurance underscores the gravity of the situation and the Government’s firm resolve to curb the menace.
Speaking during the Government’s weekly Press Conference held on August 22, 2023, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Conference Room on Tower Hill in Freetown, Minister Chernor Bah, joined by esteemed dignitaries including the Minister of Health, Dr. Austin Demby; Dr. Abdul Jalloh, Senior Specialist Psychiatrist of the Government Psychiatric Center in Kissy; and Young Civil Society Activist, Madam Matilda Ekan Sonsiama; delivered a compelling call to action.
Minister Bah acknowledged the pressing issue of drug addiction among young people, characterizing it as a paramount emergency facing the nation. He invoked the participation of citizens, urging collective collaboration with the Government in the ongoing efforts to combat this challenge. Moreover, he emphasized the imperative role of the citizenry in aligning with the Government’s commitment to address this menace effectively.
The Minister of Information expressed deep concern over the alarming surge in drug addiction among the youth, a segment vital to the nation’s progress. He underscored the pernicious consequences of drug abuse, leading to mental health disorders and the squandering of promising lives. Minister Bah issued a stern call to the youth to reject the allure of drugs, as these choices not only undermine the nation’s human capital advancement but also jeopardize the overall well-being and productivity of the populace.
Contrary to misconceptions implicating select officials in the drug trade, Minister Bah clarified that the Government perceives the issue as a grave concern that demands immediate, comprehensive attention. He articulated the Government’s unwavering determination to allocate substantial resources to address this menace, aligning it with the President’s key development agendas focused on Human Capital Development, Youth Employment, and Empowerment.
Minister Bah’s clarion call extended to civil society activists and youth-focused organizations, urging them to intensify their engagement with the Government’s initiatives. He acknowledged and applauded community leaders and organizations taking proactive measures to mitigate the crisis.
Dr. Abdul Jalloh, the Head of the Government Psychiatric Center in Kissy, furnished disconcerting statistics demonstrating the pervasive impact of drug abuse on mental health. He underscored that over 70% of cases reported at the facility involve young university students. Dr. Jalloh detailed the hazardous composition of the “kush” drug, highlighting its dangerous chemical composition and its detrimental effects on human health.
Dr. Jalloh earnestly implored citizens to bolster the Government’s actions by extending compassion and support to the victims of drug addiction. He emphasized that society’s rejection exacerbates their predicament, making recovery all the more challenging.
Minister of Health, Dr. Austin Demby, interjected with a plea to recalibrate police strategies in addressing the drug issue. He advocated for a shift towards apprehending peddlers and chemical suppliers instead of disproportionately targeting victims. Dr. Demby suggested robust public awareness campaigns coupled with expanded rehabilitation centers to facilitate victims’ recovery.
Madam Matilda Ekan Sonsiama, a Civil and Human Rights Activist, echoed the sentiment of sincerity in dealing with drug peddlers, stressing the need to counteract corruption within law enforcement. She highlighted instances of recurrent peddler activities due to police misconduct, which poses a significant challenge to the fight against drug addiction.
The conference also addressed concerns about treatment access for affected women. Renowned journalist, Umaru Fofana, asked the Minister of Health if the time was ripe for him to advise the President to declare the current drug menace a national health emergency; to which the Minister responded that more cogent data needed to be gathered and analysed by a carefully selected body of experts who will then recommend such a move to the President. The Minister further pledged the Government’s dedication to enhancing treatment and rehabilitation services.
In a remarkable display of promptitude and efficiency, the press conference commenced punctually and concluded within the intended timeframe of 1 hour and 30 minutes. Attendees lauded Minister Chernor Bah’s proactive approach to leadership and urged the continuation of his progressive initiatives.
