By Sheku Putka Kamara
Before now, hardly would you pass by major streets in Freetown without hearing the sound of ‘buy u coco sambaaaa or u don buy u coco samba?’ Today, the reverse is almost the case, largely because ever since the drama started, it appears as if coco has not seen the light. First, the Sierra Leone Standards Bureau and the Pharmacy Board had issues and then came the Health Ministry and numerous civil society norms plus media views. To cut a long matter short, it appears as if the war against coco samba is succeeding because these days, it is very difficult to see the product (s).
When all of this started, there were people that took sides with the product whiles others were very concerned about safety and suitability. If not for anything, I feel that Sierra Leone has a lot of fixing to do and if you ask me, the time is now. It is worrisome that certain products will find themselves in our midst and we are almost always unaware about how they made way in country. That is not good for safety.
I have heard and seen young men and boys that strongly argued that Coco Samba is a good product and to them, it gives them ‘man power’ among other benefits. In all of this, I have spoken to medical experts that have not certified same. What that means is that we did find ourselves in a situation of opinionated approaches, largely influenced by prejudices.
It is high time central government tried as best as possible to exercise drastic command where very necessary. Specific ministries, departments and agencies must be able to do their jobs, otherwise, fire them and recruit competent and top-notch professionals. That is what I will refer to as a way to go.
Health matters are too serious to be treated with levity. Designated authorities should really try to be a bit more prudent in ensuring that the right things are done. It matters because in so far as I am concerned, we do not always have to dramatize. Like in the news business, if we only set the agenda when matters become worse, then there is a problem.
For most of these articles, I wish to hit the nail on the head and not just to write for the sake of writing. What is wrong today should be amended today. We cannot continue like this. Aside Coco Samba which clearly had its effects, let’s take a look at what the Kush product is and has been doing. Takers of the said stuff clearly appear as if they are not normal. You see that? When actions are not taken, it is these very people that begin to wreck havocs in society. The time to act is now and yes, if we agree that young people are the leaders of tomorrow, let us begin to do those things that will make them act wiser and better. Until then, may the way on all harmful and illegal products win.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on wednesday, March 13th , 2024 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
