Augustine Sorie-Sengbe Marrah, a prominent lawyer and social activist in Sierra Leone, has sounded the alarm on the widespread abuse of Kush among the country’s youth.

In a passionate statement, Marrah declared that Kush has become a pressing public health concern in Sierra Leone and should not be dismissed as merely “the new face of Salone.”

Expressing his concerns, Marrah emphasized the urgent need for attention to be directed towards addressing the Kush crisis, rather than focusing on superficial portrayals of the nation’s identity. He criticized the prioritization of a documentary showcasing young politicians as the supposed epitome of Sierra Leonean identity, particularly when the youth are facing the devastating consequences of Kush addiction.

Marrah argued that while some young political leaders may possess commendable academic credentials and competence, they cannot be heralded as the true representatives of Sierra Leone in the midst of a crisis. He condemned the disconnect between political rhetoric and the harsh realities on the ground, including the pervasive influence of Kush, which is wreaking havoc on the nation’s youth.

Drawing attention to the hypocrisy of celebrating political achievements while ignoring the suffering of the youth, Marrah posed a poignant question: “Would any of the ministers have premiered a movie while their kids are being buried in a mass grave?” His statement underscored the need for empathy and genuine concern for the welfare of all Sierra Leoneans, especially the vulnerable youth population.

Marrah called for a shift in priorities, urging policymakers to address the Kush crisis as a matter of urgency. He emphasized the importance of local initiatives to raise awareness about the dangers of Kush abuse and to provide support for those affected. Marrah stressed the need for a locally-curated and widely disseminated documentary that highlights Kush as a public health concern, rather than glorifying political figures.

In his impassioned plea, Marrah criticized the self-serving nature of politics, accusing politicians of prioritizing their own interests over the well-being of the people they are meant to serve. He warned against the dangers of complacency in the face of such crises, urging swift and decisive action to tackle the root causes of Kush abuse and its devastating impact on Sierra Leonean society.