Leading human rights protection group, Amnesty International Sierra Leone chapter has held a street march in the East End part of Freetown, as an awareness raising campaign against the abuse of drugs and drug related substances.
The march which was done in commemoration of the international youths day annually celebrated on 12th August. The campaign was conducted from Grafton Bus Park to Jui Bus Park with a focus on the rampaging drug, Kush.
Student Activist from the Freetown Polytechnic Mohamed Sallu Kamara explained that they took to the street to sensitize young stakeholders in the community on the harmful use of the cannabis strain called Kush that is destroying the lives of young people around the country.
He emphasized that the focus is on Kush the endangering circumstances youths placed themselves in when under the influence of it, especially the high rate of its consumption and its increasing death rate in recent weeks.
He advised youths in these communities to abstain from these drugs for their futures as the next generation of leaders, which the consumption of this drug will significantly negatively impact on.
Chairlady of Grafton Bus Park identified as Isatu, commended Amnesty International for the engagement against the drugs which is deforming the youths, leaving them with sores and swollen body parts. She prayed for the government's intervention to enforce strict laws to control and ultimately eradicate the use of the drug.
Abu Bakarr Tarawallie a user of the Substance Kushe who resides at the Grafton Bus Park said his experiences using the substance has destroyed his mental wellbeing and advised people to stay away from the drug as it has already destroyed his own life or any future improvements.
Another user who relocated to Freetown from Kabala in search of work, John Sesay, was introduced to Kush by a friend. He has become addicted to it for the last two years. According to him, he is aware of the impact of it but he will be unable to stop taking it. As such, he is requesting stricter measures from the government to prevent the importation and availability of it.
An Anonymous Shop owner from the Jui Bus Stop Park said these youth in these communities have been advised to refrain from the intake of the drug “kush” as they see it destroying them but they refuse, with some resorting to violent attacks on the first attempt at interventions. He explained breaking and entering situations to finance their addictions, with heavy costs implications on them relating to securing their business premises.
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