By Sallieu S. Kanu
Freetown, October 7, 2025: Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr has sounded the alarm over the escalating ‘kush’ epidemic in Sierra Leone’s capital, revealing that the Freetown City Council (FCC) has collected more than 220 corpses suspected to be victims of the synthetic drug since the start of the year. The revelation came during an exclusive interview on Truth Media, where the Mayor described the situation as a public health and security emergency.
Mayor Aki-Sawyerr called for urgent and coordinated government intervention, warning that continued inaction and lack of political will could deepen the crisis. “This is not just a public health emergency,” she stated. “It is a social and economic disaster that is placing unbearable pressure on communities and government services”.
In response, the FCC has established a dedicated burial team to manage the growing number of kush-related fatalities. The Mayor emphasized that the crisis is eroding the country’s human capital and undermining national development efforts. “How can we talk about human capital development when our young people are dying in such numbers?” she asked.
Understanding the Kush Epidemic Among Sierra Leone’s Youth
Kush is a cheap, highly addictive synthetic drug made from marshmallow leaves soaked in industrial chemicals. It is often laced with nitazenes, opioids up to 25 times stronger than fentanyl, making it extremely lethal. First appearing in Sierra Leone in the early 2020s, kush has rapidly spread across West Africa, including Liberia, Guinea, and Senegal.
Among Sierra Leone’s youth, kush has taken a devastating toll. Many young people, particularly in urban ghettos like Grey Bush in Freetown, are trapped in cycles of addiction, poverty, and despair. Users report severe withdrawal symptoms, including bone pain and restlessness, within hours of not smoking.
The drug’s affordability and accessibility have contributed to its widespread use. Initially sold at 5,000 leones for two doses, prices have surged to 30,000 leones for one, with stronger variants like Jagaban causing users to collapse instantly.
A recent study by Njala University found that kush consumption among youth is driven by peer pressure, trauma, and economic hardship. The drug’s impact includes mental health deterioration, family breakdowns, homelessness, and rising crime rates.
Despite the government declaring kush a public health emergency in April 2024, efforts to curb its spread remain limited. Experts and community leaders are calling for a comprehensive national strategy, including:
- Investment in rehabilitation centers
- Public education campaigns targeting youth
- Stronger border controls to disrupt supply chains
- Community-based interventions involving parents, educators, and health professionals
The Mayor’s call to action underscores the urgency of the crisis. As Sierra Leone grapples with the fallout, the need for multi-sectoral collaboration has never been more critical.