Raphael Oni
In a significant move to address the growing menace of substance abuse in West Africa, the ECOWAS Parliament has embarked on a Sensitization Outreach Mission to Guinea and Sierra Leone. The parliamentary delegation’s visit aimed to engage with stakeholders, raise awareness, and advocate for stronger regional cooperation to combat substance abuse and promote mental health.
During their visit to Guinea, the delegation met with government officials, psychiatric institutions, and civil society organizations. They stressed concerns about cross-border trafficking, youth addiction, and institutional capacity. The delegation’s visit to mental health facilities, such as Donka University Hospital Psychiatric Unit and SAJED-G Youth Rehabilitation Centre, provided valuable insights into treatment challenges and recovery efforts.
The delegation emphasized the need for evidence-based reform, institutional accountability, and resilient public health systems. Stakeholders stressed the importance of stronger regional cooperation and technical support from ECOWAS to combat substance abuse. The Minister of Health acknowledged systemic gaps, including aging infrastructure, severe workforce shortages, and limited psychosocial support systems.
Meetings with Guinean authorities underscored the importance of inter-sectoral action and coordinated efforts among governments, parliaments, and civil society. Officials reiterated that drug addiction is both a public health emergency and a development threat, requiring renewed investments in youth, education, and inclusive policy design.
Following the successful conclusion of the mission in Guinea, the ECOWAS Parliamentary Delegation arrived in Freetown, Sierra Leone, on June 22, 2025, to commence the next phase of the sensitization mission. Sierra Leone has been grappling with substance abuse issues, particularly the widespread use of the drug Kush, which led to a declaration of a state of emergency.
The mission aims to strengthen regional responses to drug abuse and promote legislative advocacy, aligning with ECOWAS’s broader goals of promoting people-centered regional governance and protecting vulnerable populations. As the ECOWAS Parliament continues its efforts to address substance abuse, it is clear that a coordinated and multi-faceted approach is necessary to tackle this complex issue.
