By Mackie M. Jalloh
In a renewed effort to confront the surge of drug abuse in Sierra Leone’s Northeast Region, Resident Minister Hon. Ibrahim Jalloh has launched a grassroots campaign titled “Voices Against Kush” in Makeni City, aimed at tackling the growing kush epidemic ravaging youth communities.
The campaign, introduced on November 2, 2025, seeks to build a regional front against the trafficking and consumption of kush — a synthetic drug blamed for widespread mental health challenges and social decay. Minister Jalloh described the initiative as a call to action for every resident, stressing that “the fight against kush cannot be won by government alone.”
Under the new approach, communities are expected to play a central role by identifying victims, reporting dealers, and supporting rehabilitation efforts. The campaign also prioritizes collaboration with the police, traditional leaders, and civil society groups to strengthen local surveillance and prevention strategies.
Hon. Jalloh noted that President Julius Maada Bio has expressed deep concern about the crisis and has urged ministries and regional offices to act swiftly to protect the nation’s youth. “We must treat this as an emergency,” the Minister said. “Our young people are the future, and we cannot watch them destroy themselves.”
Stakeholders at the launch commended the initiative but called for consistent follow-up and stronger community engagement to ensure lasting impact. The campaign’s broader vision, according to Jalloh, is to “build a Northeast where hope replaces addiction, and unity drives recovery.”
