By Sallieu S. Kanu
Sierra Leone: In a powerful appeal aired on SLBC’s Morning Coffee show on Friday, October 24, Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr OBE called for a multifaceted and coordinated national response to the escalating “kush” crisis ravaging Sierra Leone’s youth. Her remarks come amid growing public concern over the synthetic drug’s devastating impact on communities across the capital.
Mayor’s Call to Action
Mayor Aki-Sawyerr emphasized that dismantling the supply chain and halting the importation of kush is paramount. “Until the routes of supply are effectively cut off,” she warned, “community-level interventions will remain insufficient.” She urged government agencies, civil society, and international partners to collaborate on both enforcement and rehabilitation efforts.
This isn’t the first time the mayor has raised alarm. Earlier in October, she revealed that over 220 suspected kush-related deaths had been recorded by the Freetown City Council in 2025 alone. She described the crisis as a public health and security emergency, demanding urgent political will and resources to stem the tide.
Kush, a synthetic drug often laced with toxic chemicals, has become a national epidemic in Sierra Leone. Originally dismissed as a fringe substance, it now grips urban and rural communities alike. According to recent reports, 142 kush victims were buried by FCC in 2025, underscoring the scale of the tragedy.
The drug’s effects include severe mental health deterioration, hallucinations, and physical debilitation, with many young users seen wandering the streets in zombie-like states.
Sierra Leone’s youth population is especially vulnerable: 75% of the population is under 35, and many face multi-dimensional poverty and post-conflict trauma, making them susceptible to substance abuse.
Beyond Enforcement: A Holistic Approach
Experts and community leaders agree that enforcement alone won’t solve the crisis. Mayor Aki-Sawyerr advocates for a holistic strategy that includes:
- Mental health support and rehabilitation centers
- Community education and youth engagement programs
- Economic empowerment initiatives to reduce vulnerability
- Stronger border controls and intelligence-led policing
A recent study from the Western Area suggests that community restrictions alone are ineffective without broader policy enforcement and social support systems.
Community Mobilization
The mayor’s campaign, amplified through hashtags like #HopeToReality, #EndKushCrisisSL, and #FreetownAgainstKush, aims to galvanize public support and pressure national stakeholders into action. Her media and communications team continues to push for visibility and accountability.
As Sierra Leone grapples with this silent war, Mayor Aki-Sawyerr’s voice remains one of the most prominent in calling for urgent, united, and compassionate action to save the nation’s youth.