Caritas Freetown Launches Rehabilitation Centre for “kush” Addicts in Sierra Leone

The effects of “kush” in Sierra Leone have been so devastating that, according to Archbishop Edward Tamba Charles of Freetown, young people are being found dead on the streets after using the drug.

Fr. Konteh recalled that for many years, Caritas Freetown had worked at the frontlines of human suffering, “from disaster response to child protection, from mental-health support to youth empowerment.”

According to the award-winning Catholic Priest, the “kush” epidemic had brought “one of the most painful crises” the West African country had faced. 

“We have seen dreams lost, families broken, communities shaken. But we have also witnessed resilience, courage, and the unyielding desire of young men and women to rise again,” Fr. Konteh said.

He expressed gratitude to those who had worked in partnership to bring the rehabilitation initiative to fruition, including Fundación Atabal, ONG Guaguacuna, Visión Sin Fronteras, as well as the Sierra Leonean government.

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Fr. Konteh said that the rehabilitation facility would provide varied services, including medical and psychological care, counselling and trauma support, skills training and empowerment, reintegration pathways, and a safe environment for personal transformation.

He cautioned the Sierra Leonean society against giving up on the young people already addicted to “kush” and other drugs, saying, “At Caritas Freetown, we believe that every person is created in the image of God, deserving of dignity, respect, and a second chance.”

“No young person should be judged only by their addiction,” the Sierra Leonean Priest said, and added, “Addiction is not a moral failure. It is a medical, psychological, and social challenge that requires structured care.”

He expressed optimism that the newly inaugurated rehabilitation Centre would become “a place of healing, a home of restoration, and a pathway to a brighter future.”

“We will walk with you,” he said, addressing the Centre’s first cohort, adding, “We will not give up on you.”

The Centre is part of a wider campaign that Caritas Freetown is undertaking to address the rampant use of “kush”, and to rehabilitate addicts.

Other initiatives include include awareness campaigns, targeting children, teachers, families, community leaders, and NGOs. Village and community leaders are also targeted in the awareness campaigns.

Caritas Freetown also provides legal representation for children arrested for kush-related offenses and advocates for child-friendly justice processes and legislative reforms.

The charity arm of Freetown Archdiocese wants to reach approximately 320,000 people through community workshops.

Sabrine Amboka contributed to the writing of this story

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