By Hassan Osman Kargbo
A high-level delegation from the ECOWAS Parliament’s Committee on Health, led by its Chairman, Hon. Orlando Pereira Dias, Monday, June 23, 2025, paid a courtesy visit to the Speaker of the Sixth Parliament of the Second Republic of Sierra Leone, Rt. Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas. The visit marked an important step in fostering regional cooperation to combat the growing threat of drug addiction among youth across the ECOWAS sub-region.
Hon. Veronica Kadie Sesay, the Leader of Sierra Leone’s Delegation to the ECOWAS Parliament and Deputy Chief Whip of the Sierra Leone Parliament, spearheaded the delegation’s engagement in Freetown.
In her statement to Speaker Thomas, she recalled that Sierra Leone’s Parliament had already raised alarm over the increase in youth drug addiction during a previous plenary session, explaining that the ECOWAS Parliament’s mission was to initiate a coordinated effort among member states to eradicate drug abuse and its damaging consequences among young people in the region.
Hon. Sesay informed the Speaker that as part of the ongoing mission, members of the ECOWAS Parliament would host a town hall meeting in Freetown to engage with relevant stakeholders—including government agencies, civil society groups, and community leaders—to develop effective strategies and policies against drug addiction.
She further revealed that the visit would include a tour of rehabilitation centres in Freetown to assess the conditions of facilities catering to drug abuse victims, with the goal of identifying urgent needs and recommending appropriate interventions.
Hon. Orlando Pereira Dias, Chairman of the ECOWAS Parliamentary Committee on Health, conveyed congratulations to the people of Sierra Leone and President Julius Maada Bio for the country’s recent election as Chair of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS. He stressed that health, particularly mental health and substance abuse prevention, remains a top priority for the region. Hon. Dias underscored the urgent need to address the drug crisis affecting the youth, warning that the problem, if left unaddressed, could undermine the region’s future stability and development.
“We want to see our young people healthy and mentally strong,” Hon. Dias stated. “This is why the ECOWAS Parliament is working hard to engage all member states in this collective fight against drug abuse. We call on all leaders, parents, communities, and institutions to unite in this critical battle for the future of our youth.”
In response, Speaker Thomas warmly welcomed the ECOWAS delegation and expressed gratitude for their commitment to tackling one of West Africa’s most pressing social challenges. He acknowledged that drug abuse among young people has reached alarming levels not only in Sierra Leone but also throughout the ECOWAS region. Speaker Thomas stressed the importance of urgent and coordinated regional action.
“This issue goes beyond national boundaries—it affects the entire region,” Speaker Thomas remarked. “If we continue on this dangerous path, we risk losing an entire generation of productive young people. Therefore, the time to act is now. I want to assure you that the Parliament of Sierra Leone stands ready to work alongside ECOWAS and other stakeholders to fight drug abuse and safeguard the future of our youth.”
The visit and subsequent activities by the ECOWAS Parliamentary Committee on Health represent a pivotal step towards a unified regional approach to ending drug addiction among young people, a menace that threatens socio-economic progress in West Africa.
