By Janet Samuel
The ECOWAS Parliament continued its regional sensitisation mission on substance abuse and mental health with field visits to key rehabilitation and health institutions in Conakry. The third day of the mission featured engagements at Donka University Hospital’s Psychiatric Unit, the SAJED-G Youth Rehabilitation Centre, and Fraternité Médicale Guinée (FMG).
At Donka, the delegation was received by Dr Denis Bernard Raiche, who raised concern over the growing incidence of cannabis-related psychiatric conditions among youth. He called for stronger inter-institutional and regional cooperation to scale up mental health services across West Africa.
Introducing the mission, Hon. Fanta Condé reaffirmed the ECOWAS Parliament’s role in promoting human rights and supporting regional responses to drug abuse, trafficking, and related public health issues.
At SAJED-G, the delegation heard firsthand testimonies from recovering youths, who shared their experiences with substance abuse and rehabilitation. The visit was welcomed as a morale boost for both staff and beneficiaries. The discussions at FMG focused on the urgent need for improved training and resources for mental health professionals across the region.
Stakeholders throughout the day underscored the connection between drug abuse and rising crime rates, with an estimated 90% of criminal acts reportedly linked to substance use. They also called for a coordinated multi-sectoral response to cross-border drug trafficking and stronger law enforcement mechanisms.
The day’s activities concluded with a media briefing and official group photograph. The mission resumes on Wednesday, 18 June 2025, with high-level courtesy visits to the Ministers of Health, Youth, Education, and Foreign Affairs, as well as the President of Guinea’s Transitional National Council.
