By Ragan M. Conteh

In a significant move to address the growing drug crisis in Sierra Leone, former Deputy Speaker of Parliament and leader of the opposition Hon. Chernor Ramadan Maju Bah (also known as “Chericoco”) has urged the government through the Pharmacy Board of Sierra Leone, to ban the importation of Tramadol and other harmful drugs by pharmaceutical companies.

The call was made during the launch of his anti-drug campaign themed, “One nation and one voice against drug.” The ceremony was held at the UMC School compound, Ginger Hall community, east end of the capital.

“If I were the president today, I would ban all importation of Tramadol and other drugs by pharmaceutical companies that are destroying our youths. The government should be the sole importer of these drugs, especially Tramadol,” he stated.

Hon. Bah emphasised that the campaign is part of his continued commitment to building a brighter future for Sierra Leonean youth. He also called on young people to rise above the destructive influence of not only Tramadol, but also Kush and other harmful substances. He reminded the audience that youth are the backbone of Sierra Leone’s development and must redirect their energy toward productive avenues such as skills training, entrepreneurship, education, sports, and community development.

“We have lost a lot of talent. Most of these guys are now living under the bridges,” he said, describing the human cost of drug abuse.

He also launched a project called “Beyond Kush” to empower grassroots communities to take up local roles in fighting Kush and other drugs. He urged communities to report neighbours involved in dealing Tramadol, Kush or other illicit substances.

On the budget front, Hon. Bah called on the Ministry of Finance to increase funding for the Drug Enforcement Agency Sierra Leone and the health ministry to support treatment, rehabilitation and prevention programmes. He further proposed the creation of a “Police Partnership Board” in communities across Sierra Leone to support local law enforcement, churches, schools, and youth clubs in combatting the epidemic.

The data show by the Freetown City Council on Tramadol isn’t just a national problem. It’s part of a larger global opioid crisis that demands firm regulation, proper medical oversight, and strong prevention efforts.

The launch of a campaign and the loud call for a ban are positive steps. But as many Sierra Leoneans are beginning to expect, the real test now is what happens next.

If government can follow through on regulation, enforcement, treatment, and youth empowerment, then Sierra Leone may be able to turn the tide on Tramadol and Kush epidemic and offer its young people a future free from addiction, fear and wasted potential.