By Ragan M. Conteh

In a strong parliamentary exchange, Hon. Aruna Papay Larkkoh, Member of Parliament representing Tonkolili District, has dismissed claims made by the acting Leader of Government Business, Hon. Bashiru Silikie, regarding the construction of the Makeni–Kabala road.

Hon. Larkkoh clarified that the road was originally constructed under the leadership of former President Siaka Stevens, not former President Ernest Bai Koroma, as had been suggested. His response immediately set the record straight, countering what he described as misinformation about the development work of the previous APC administration.

The MP’s contribution was noted for its confidence and command of national issues, signaling his renewed engagement following the parliamentary recess.

As a growing concern over the kush crisis, Hon. Larkkoh also turned his attention to one of Sierra Leone’s most pressing social crises the alarming rise of Kush, a synthetic drug devastating communities across the country. He described the epidemic as “worrisome and destructive,” warning that drug abuse is crippling the nation’s youth and eroding the country’s social fabric.

“The issue of drug abuse, particularly the use of Kush, is not political it is a national emergency,” he said. “If you are not affected today, your cousin, niece, or family member could be a victim tomorrow. We must address this menace through a nationalistic lens.”

He called on Parliament and the government to depoliticize the discussion and take serious, coordinated action to curb the crisis.

As a national crisis without a clear response, Hon. Larkkoh echoed President Julius Maada Bio’s recent statements acknowledging the country’s growing drug problem, but he went further to warn that Sierra Leone is facing international embarrassment as a result of the epidemic. He painted a grim picture of addiction and neglect young people languishing on the streets, families torn apart, and communities losing their future generation.

The MP noted that some car wash facilities, initially established to create jobs for youth, have instead become hideouts for drug dealers and users. “These car wash places are now hosting criminals and serving as dens for drug selling,” he said.

Missing the “How” — No Plan for Action, despite strong words from both Hon. Larkkoh and other parliamentarians, the debate fell short of producing concrete solutions. While MPs agreed on the seriousness of the Kush crisis, none outlined specific measures to tackle the problem in their respective constituencies.

There were no detailed proposals on rehabilitation programmes, community outreach, or law enforcement reforms just expressions of concern. The absence of clear policy commitments leaves many citizens wondering how Parliament intends to move from talk to tangible action.

The Kush epidemic continues to spread rapidly, leaving addiction, crime, and despair in its wake. As Sierra Leone grapples with this growing threat, the nation looks to its leaders not only to condemn the crisis, but to act decisively to end it.