- An overwhelming majority (96%) of Sierra Leoneans say they have heard of kush (Figure 1).
- Among those who are aware of the drug: Virtually all (99%) identify its abuse as a significant problem in the country (Figure 2).
- About six in 10 (61%) say they personally know of a neighbour who has used kush. Almost half say they know of a relative (49%) or a friend (44%) who has used it (Figure 3).
- Younger Sierra Leoneans (those aged 18-35) are more likely than their older counterparts to know of neighbours (63%), relatives (51%), and friends (48%) who have used kush (Figure 4).
- Seven in 10 respondents see imposing stiffer punishment (70%) and enforcing strict border control (69%) as the best ways to address the problem (Figure 5).
Virtually all Sierra Leoneans who are aware of kush say abuse of the drug is a significant problem in the country, the latest Afrobarometer survey reveals.
Findings show that more than nine in 10 citizens have heard of kush.
Among them, three-fifths say they know of a neighbour who has used the drug, while almost half have friends or family who have consumed it. Youth are more likely to report personally being aware of users.
Large majorities say imposing harsher penalties and enforcing strict border control measures are the best way to tackle the crisis.
On 6 June 2024, President Bio declared a national emergency on substance abuse, with a focus on kush, following a reported rise in kush-related fatalities.
He committed to establishing a national task force on substance abuse, overseen by a presidential advisory team. Strategies to address the crisis include both treatment and support for addicts, as well as strengthening law enforcement measures to dismantle drug trafficking networks and to hold traffickers accountable.