By Ibrahim John Sesay

The Sierra Leone Alcohol Policy Alliance (SLAPA) on Thursday, 30th October 2025, hosted a one-day community workshop in Waterloo to enhance understanding and implementation of the National Alcohol Policy of Sierra Leone. The event, held at Frandy Hall, brought together diverse community stakeholders, including religious leaders, market women, youth representatives, civil society groups, school authorities and the media.

The sensitization session formed part of SLAPA’s ongoing efforts to promote responsible alcohol consumption and strengthen the national response to alcohol and drug abuse. The policy aims to minimize alcohol-related harm and guide regulatory actions across the country.

Speaking to The Calabash Newspaper, the National Chairman of SLAPA, Habib T. Kamara, said the engagement was vital for helping community members understand the growing challenge of drug misuse. He noted that substance abuse, particularly among youths, has become a major public health and social concern. He commended President Julius Maada Bio for his leadership in addressing the issue, citing the President’s visit to the Hastings Rehabilitation Centre as a demonstration of Government commitment.

Habib T. Kamara urged youths to stay away from Kush and other dangerous substances and called on communities to expose those involved in the supply and sale of illicit drugs that continue to destroy young lives.

In her remarks, the Chairperson of SLAPA Waterloo, Madam Marion Cole, applauded the participants for their strong turnout and expressed gratitude to the Government and development partners for supporting the National Alcohol Policy. She emphasized that the policy serves as a national framework for regulating the production, sale and consumption of alcohol, ensuring it is done safely and responsibly.

“We have been visiting schools and marketplaces to sensitize our people about the dangers of drugs,” she said, adding that the session also deepened participants’ understanding of mental health. “Our communities must come together to fight against Kush and tramadol; our children and youth are dying.”

Ambassador Marie Bangura, Chairperson of the Western Area Rural District Youth Council, said her organization has been actively engaging drug addicts through counselling and support initiatives. “We provide counselling and food services to addicts, many of whom are skilled workers, drivers and students,” she explained. “Peer pressure remains one of the key factors pushing young people into drug use.”

She urged young people to act as ambassadors in their communities, stressing that the fight against drug abuse is a collective responsibility. “If one person goes astray, it affects us all. Let us be our brother’s keeper,” she added.

Youth representative and Director of Programs and Projects at the Glittering Foundation, Alusine Jalal Kamara, highlighted his organization’s recent campaign, ‘Di Kush Norto Food Work’, which toured rural communities to raise awareness about the dangers of drug use. He encouraged young people to protect their future, warning that continued indulgence in harmful substances threatens the progress of future generations.

Religious leaders at the event reaffirmed that both Islam and Christianity condemn excessive drinking and drug use, urging faith communities to promote healthy lifestyles. Similarly, the Chairlady of the Waterloo Market Women’s Association commended SLAPA for including grassroots voices in the fight against drug and alcohol abuse. She cited the link between substance abuse and rising domestic conflicts and called for stricter enforcement against selling Kush to minors.

During an interactive session, participants proposed community-led monitoring and advocacy initiatives to strengthen local enforcement and awareness. Media representatives pledged to continue supporting public education campaigns through radio, print and social media.

At the end of the event, participants expressed appreciation to SLAPA for organizing the forum and committed to sharing the lessons learned within their communities to help curb drug and alcohol misuse in Sierra Leone.

  https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/slapa-engages-waterloo-stakeholders-on-national-alcohol-policy-implementation/