By Phebean John
As an avid observer like many others, I have dedicated considerable time and contemplation to the pressing issue plaguing our nation – Kush. During my regular commutes to Fourah Bay College for lectures, it pained me to discover that a significant number of young individuals engaged in illicit activities were ensnared by Kush addiction. It is disheartening to witness how their hard-earned money from hustling is squandered on a pernicious substance that brings them closer to the brink of destruction each passing day.
From my Krio Corner, I have encountered audio recordings, videos and screenshots showcasing allegations and counter-accusations among those implicated in the Kush trade. At this juncture, differentiating truth from falsehood becomes an arduous task.
Drawing an analogy from mafia movies, one can ascertain that these cartels operate within a highly organized syndicate. Similarly, the Kush trade exhibits a comparable structure.
Allow me to elaborate:
Stage 1 primarily consists of individuals holding influential positions in politics, media, security, corporate sectors and the entertainment industry. They wield significant control over the enterprise and often reap the most substantial rewards from their involvement.
Stage 2 encompasses proprietors of establishments such as restaurants, hotels, bars, parks, gas stations, mini-marts, gyms, cinemas, and more. These owners provide the essential platforms for transactions to occur.
Stage 3 involves intermediary brokers, young people caught between the elite and ordinary dealers. These individuals lead extravagant lifestyles without any discernible sources of legitimate income.
Stage 4 comprises the common dealers who directly sell to the brokers or purchase from them to cater to the needs of addicts and ardent consumers.
Now, let us delve into the necessary course of action:
Establishing a Task Force to investigate the Kush epidemic is a straightforward process. However, identifying individuals within the Committee devoid of any involvement in drug-related activities proves to be a challenge.
1. As conscientious citizens, we must persist in educating the masses, particularly the youth, about the perils associated with drug abuse.
2. The establishment of specialized rehabilitation centers solely dedicated to Kush addiction is imperative. These centers should provide comprehensive and holistic treatments.
3. It is advisable for the President to bolster existing structures rather than creating new ones to combat this menace effectively.
4. Intelligence gathering should be genuinely encouraged, free from the clutches of partisan politics, tribalism, nepotism, and class divisions.
5. Enforcement of stricter laws pertaining to the production, distribution, and sale of Kush is paramount.
In conclusion, as the proverbial saying goes, “an idle mind is the devil’s workshop.” I firmly believe that the lack of employment opportunities in our country primarily contributes to this predicament. If individuals were gainfully employed, they would not have the luxury of indulging in drugs that could jeopardize their livelihoods. A faction of the elite preys upon the vulnerability of unemployed youths and exploits their addiction and fragile mental states. The time to take action is now!
Phebean John
Graduate in Social Work, Fourah Bay College
CEO and Founder Phebean John’s Foundation
