ACC Commissioner Raises Debate on Possible Death Penalty for Kush Importers

October 27, 2025

The Commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), Francis Ben Kaifala, has stirred public debate after suggesting that Sierra Leone may need to reconsider the death penalty for individuals involved in the importation and trade of kush — a dangerous synthetic drug devastating communities across the country.

In a social media post, Commissioner Kaifala described kush as a “killer,” calling for urgent and united efforts to protect Sierra Leone’s youth from its growing impact.

> “Kush kills… Let’s work together to keep our youth from being destroyed by it. CUT the supply… Death penalty for its importers and traders? Let’s bring it back?”

His statement, posed as an open question, has sparked conversations nationwide about whether harsher measures are necessary to curb the kush epidemic — a crisis linked to rising mental health challenges, violent crime, and the loss of young lives.

While Kaifala stopped short of officially endorsing the reintroduction of capital punishment, his remarks highlight growing frustration among both citizens and public officials about the government’s struggle to combat drug trafficking and the widespread abuse of kush.

Many have since weighed in on his comments, with some supporting the idea as a deterrent to drug importers, while others warn that bringing back the death penalty could raise ethical and human rights concerns.

As the kush crisis continues to deepen, Kaifala’s statement has reignited calls for stronger laws, better rehabilitation programs, and increased cooperation between law enforcement and communities to save Sierra Leone’s youth from the deadly grip of the drug.