Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. President Julius Maada Bio has called on young people across Sierra Leone to stay away from kush, the dangerous synthetic drug that continues to destroy lives and threaten the country’s future.
Speaking passionately about the impact of substance abuse on youth development, the President urged young men to make better life choices and focus on building productive futures for themselves and their communities.
Addressing a public gathering, President Bio reflected on his own experiences as a young leader, noting that at the age of 29 to 30, the age group of many of today’s kush users, he had already served as the country’s Vice President and was deeply involved in shaping Sierra Leone’s future. He emphasized that the energy and potential of young people should be directed toward nation-building, not self-destruction.
“When I was around 29 or 30 years old, I was serving my country as Vice President,” the President said. “That is the age when many young men today are wasting their lives on kush. My message to them is simple, you can achieve great things if you stay focused, disciplined, and avoid drugs.”
President Bio’s remarks come amid growing national concern about the widespread abuse of kush, a highly addictive and harmful synthetic drug that has devastated many communities across Sierra Leone. The substance, often made from a dangerous mixture of chemicals, has been linked to severe mental health issues, social breakdown, and rising crime rates among youth.
The President said his government remains committed to tackling the country’s drug crisis through a comprehensive approach that combines law enforcement, rehabilitation, and public education. He commended the efforts of health professionals, community leaders, and civil society organizations working tirelessly to save young people from addiction.
“We cannot arrest our way out of this problem,” he cautioned. “We must educate, rehabilitate, and create opportunities for our young people. Together, we can end this crisis and build a better future for our nation.”
In recent months, the government and its partners have intensified public awareness campaigns and expanded support for treatment centers to help individuals struggling with kush addiction. Community-based initiatives have also been launched in several districts to engage young people through skills training, sports, and mentorship programs.
“Let us invest our youth and strength in building, not destroying,” President Bio concluded. “The future of Sierra Leone depends on the choices we make today.”
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