MONROVIA – The Authorities of Liberia’s choice to ban the sale and use of Shisha and unlicensed Tramadol has sparked heated debate throughout political and social circles, with prime officers sharply divided over whether or not the transfer was a obligatory step to guard public well being or a miscalculated coverage that might backfire.
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh, [email protected]
The Ministry of Well being final week introduced a sweeping ban on the 2 substances, citing rising well being dangers and widespread abuse amongst younger individuals. Officers described Shisha smoking as a “silent however lethal well being hazard” and flagged the unregulated sale of Tramadol as a significant driver of drug abuse, dependancy, and social instability.
Based on the directive, Shisha is now banned in all private and non-private venues, together with bars, golf equipment, and houses. Violators will face rapid penalties resembling arrest, license revocation, and seizure of unlawful merchandise.
The ministry additional emphasised that Tramadol, an artificial opioid, has grow to be probably the most abused drug in Liberia, fueling violence, psychological well being crises, and damaged households. It careworn that the abuse of those substances threatens communities and the way forward for Liberia’s youth.
The directive additionally reaffirmed that narcotics listed below Chapter 41—together with Morphine, Codeine, Heroin, Oxycodone, Methadone, Fentanyl, and Demerol—stay strictly prohibited until prescribed and allotted in licensed medical services. Pentazocine and Tramadol had been particularly highlighted as substances below strict management.
The Ministry urged well being professionals to observe prescription tips, whereas warning pharmacies and wholesalers to adjust to the moratorium. Group leaders, mother and father, non secular establishments, and legislation enforcement had been additionally referred to as upon to lift consciousness and implement the legislation.
“This moratorium is an important, non-negotiable step to avoid wasting lives, safeguard the youth, and uphold nationwide stability,” the Ministry of Well being declared.
Break up Reactions
However reactions to the federal government’s stance have been removed from unanimous.
Former Speaker and present Grand Kru County District #2 Consultant, Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa, argued that the ban would show ineffective in curbing the rising demand for the merchandise. As a substitute, he referred to as on the federal government to focus its crackdown on importers and distributors.
“The proposed shisha ban in Liberia is a well-intentioned coverage, however we should be clever in our strategy. Prohibition within the U.S. failed as a result of it created a black market, empowering criminals relatively than fixing an issue. Let’s not repeat that mistake,” Cllr. Kofa mentioned.
“A ban on a product with clear demand gained’t work. As a substitute of going after customers, we should go after the massive fish—the importers and kingpins who revenue from this commerce. Let’s hit them the place it hurts.”
In distinction, former Vice President Dr. Cllr. Jewel Howard-Taylor welcomed the choice, stressing that banning dangerous substances was the simplest approach to shield Liberia’s younger inhabitants from long-term well being and social penalties.
“I concur with the Authorities to ban all dangerous substances, together with Tramadol and Shisha. In an effort to cease utilization, they should be banned. These dangerous substances are destroying our kids,” she declared.
In the meantime, Rep. Bernard DJ Blue Benson of Montserrado County District #17 raised considerations in regards to the financial implications of the abrupt ban. He questioned what would grow to be of companies that had legally imported Shisha merchandise and paid duties and taxes to the federal government earlier than the announcement.
“What turns into of the stockpile of Shisha stock ordered by companies which have paid responsibility and different imposed taxes to the Liberian Authorities? Will there be reimbursement?” Rep. Benson requested.
The Ministry of Well being has but to reply to Rep. Benson’s considerations. Well being Minister Dr. Louise M. Kpoto didn’t reply to FPA inquiry despatched to her by way of WhatsApp.
The talk displays broader questions on how finest to handle substance abuse in Liberia—by means of regulation and enforcement on the provide chain degree, or outright prohibition.
Whereas well being authorities insist the ban is critical to safeguard public well being, critics warning that with out efficient enforcement and various methods, the coverage may gasoline a black market, result in income losses for companies, and pressure the justice system.
For now, the ban stays in impact, with well being inspectors and safety businesses anticipated to start enforcement within the coming weeks.
