By Dadson A. Musa
In recent times, Sierra Leone has been plagued by a growing menace that threatens to shake the very foundation of our national progress, reverse hard-won gains, and tarnish the country’s image both at home and abroad, the deadly drug known as Kush has infiltrated our communities, leaving a trail of destruction, despair, and death.
Reports of hundreds of young people dying in Freetown alone and countless others across the country paint a grim picture, I have personally witnessed a promising young man, equipped with the qualifications to enter university, lose his life after becoming addicted to Kush and other harmful substances, while families grieve and communities suffer, some individuals continue to profit from this deadly trade, valuing money over human life.
This is not just a health crisis; it is a national emergency, the government must confront it with renewed determination and coordinated action, two key ministries the ministry of Sports and the Ministry of youth Affairs must be at the forefront of this fight.
Both ministries work directly with the country’s youth the group most affected by the drug epidemic and upon whom Sierra Leone’s future depends, the ministry of sports, in particular, must ensure that every sporting discipline across the nation is revived and actively supported, sports have the power to inspire, engage, and occupy the minds of young people, steering them away from drugs and crime. But this can only happen if the ministry resolves internal divisions, provides proper funding, and revitalizes community-level sporting programs.
The ministry of youth affairs must also play a proactive role by creating meaningful opportunities for young people, empowerment programs, entrepreneurship initiatives, and vocational training can give youths the sense of purpose and belonging that drug dealers exploit in their absence, many young people turn to Kush out of frustration, idleness, or hopelessness conditions that the right government policies can address.
Kush is more than a drug problem; it is a social and economic crisis that requires urgent, unified action. If the sports and youth ministries take the lead working in collaboration with health, education, and security sectors Sierra Leone can begin to reclaim its lost generation.
Our youths are our future, saving them from Kush is not just a government responsibility it is a national duty.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Wednesday, 29ThOctober 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
