The ECOWAS Parliament has taken a major step towards addressing substance abuse in the West African sub-region. From June 16 to 21, 2025, the Parliamentary delegation embarked on a Sensitization Outreach Mission on Substance Abuse and Mental Health to Guinea, engaging with various stakeholders, including government ministries, psychiatric institutions, and civil society organizations.
During their visit, the delegation stressed concerns around 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 mission is not merely symbolic—it is a call to action for evidence-based reform, institutional accountability, and the development of resilient public health systems that serve all citizens,” the delegation emphasised. Stakeholders stressed the need for stronger regional cooperation and technical support from ECOWAS to combat substance abuse.
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.
The Minister of Health acknowledged systemic gaps, including aging infrastructure, severe workforce shortages, and limited psychosocial support systems. He emphasized the need for inter-ministerial collaboration, sustainable funding, and evidence-based policies. The Minister also highlighted the importance of involving families, academic institutions, and local communities in crafting culturally relevant mental health responses.
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.