Prominent lawyer and social activist Augustine Sorie-Sengbe Marrah has raised awareness about the pervasive Kush abuse among young people in Sierra Leone.
Marrah made a strong declaration, arguing that Kush is more than just “the new face of Salone” and that it has become a serious public health issue in Sierra Leone.
In voicing his worries, Marrah underlined how critical it is to confront the Kush issue immediately rather than concentrating on flimsy depictions of the country's identity. He objected to the documentary being given priority over young politicians who are supposedly the embodiment of Sierra Leonean identity, especially in light of the youth's dire repercussions from Kush addiction.
During a crisis, Marrah contended, even though some young political leaders could have excellent academic records and leadership qualities, they cannot be hailed as Sierra Leone's real representatives. He denounced the discrepancy between political rhetoric and the hard realities that exist, such as Kush's widespread influence that is having a disastrous effect on the country's youth.
Marrah asked a powerful question, highlighting the hypocrisy of applauding political victories while disregarding the pain of young people: "Would any of the ministers have premiered a movie while their kids are being buried in a mass grave?" In particular, the vulnerable youth population, his message emphasized the need for empathy and sincere care for the wellbeing of all Sierra Leoneans.
Vickie Remoe writes that “Kush is the new face of Salone”. I can’t agree more. I think we needed a locally-curated and popularised documentary on Kush as a public health concern rather than a documentary on young politicians being the new face of Salone 🇸🇱(paradoxically being…
— Augustine Sorie-Sengbe Marrah (@SoeMarrah) March 18, 2024
Marrah demanded a change in focus and urged decision-makers to give the Kush situation immediate attention. He underlined the value of neighborhood campaigns to educate people about the risks associated with Kush abuse and to offer assistance to those who are impacted. Marrah emphasized the necessity of a regionally produced and extensively viewed film that presents Kush as a public health issue as opposed to elevating political personalities.
Marrah made a passionate case against the self-serving nature of politics, charging that elected officials put their personal interests ahead of the welfare of the public they are supposed to represent. He urged prompt and urgent action to address the underlying causes of Kush misuse and its destructive effects, cautioning against the perils of complacency in the face of such crises.