The ECOWAS Parliament has begun its outreach mission in Sierra Leone, holding discussions with various institutions to strengthen regional cooperation on substance abuse and mental health.
On the first day of the mission in Freetown, the ECOWAS delegation met with officials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, who welcomed the initiative and acknowledged the ECOWAS Parliament’s leadership on this issue. The Director General recalled Sierra Leone’s resilience through past crises and stressed the importance of regional collaboration to tackle new challenges like drug abuse.
During a meeting at the Sierra Leone Parliament, the Speaker provided a stark account of the impact of the synthetic drug known as “Kush,” describing the situation as a national emergency. He commended President Julius Maada Bio for establishing a multi-agency task force on drug control and substance abuse, and emphasised the need for continued legislative focus and greater cross-border coordination to combat the spread of dangerous substances.
The delegation also engaged with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, which outlined its operational strategies and the limitations it faces. Officials reaffirmed their commitment to national efforts and called on the ECOWAS Parliament to advocate for regional support and institutional strengthening.
At the Ministry of Social Welfare, the Director of Mental Health briefed the delegation on the psychosocial aspects of drug abuse and reviewed current rehabilitation programmes. Representatives from the Ministry of Health highlighted the need for harmonised sub-regional policies and increased investment in mental health infrastructure.
The Ministry of Youth shared insights from their work on the ground, stressing the urgency of scaling up rehabilitation, skills training, and psychosocial support for young people affected by drug abuse. They also called for sustained community engagement and collaboration across different sectors.
The head of the ECOWAS Parliament delegation reiterated their commitment to supporting member states through coordinated parliamentary actions and evidence-based advocacy. The mission is continuing with planned outreach to community actors and a Town Hall meeting in Freetown.
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