By alimamy.jalloh@awokonewspapersl.com
Freetown, SIERRA LEONE – In the fight against Sierra Leone’s growing drug addiction crisis, Pa Hassan Kamara, a traditional healer based on Consider Lane in Calabatown, Freetown, has reportedly treated over 2,660 individuals struggling with drug abuse—including victims from Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. Among his recent cases is Manso Koroma, a person with disability who had fallen deep into Kush addiction.
During a recent visit to his residence, Pa Hassan shared with Awoko that Koroma was brought to him four months ago after multiple failed rehabilitation attempts. The 31-year-old, who lost his leg in a motorbike accident in 2018, said he turned to Kush to cope with trauma, grief, and peer influence from fellow persons with disabilities.
“I got into the habit through my friends who were also disabled,” Koroma recounted. “They told me the drug would take away my pain and worries. But it only made things worse.”
Originally from Freetown, Manso’s addiction began after his accident while transporting a passenger to Ferry Junction. He was first treated at Connaught Hospital, where doctors had to amputate his leg due to the severity of his injuries. After stints at Masanga Hospital and a traditional healer in Songo, his family eventually took him to Pa Hassan, whose herbal remedies have reportedly shown results.
“I feel better now,” said Manso. “The medicine from Pa Hassan is helping me recover.”
At Pa Hassan’s compound, six patients were observed—most of them chained by the feet to prevent escape or violent behavior. Pa Hassan explained that his patients are often brought to him after being abandoned by formal rehabilitation centres, or when families lose hope.
Despite claiming to have helped over 2,600 individuals between the ages of 15 and 50, the healer admits he cannot provide detailed records due to the constant influx of new patients. Many, he says, are brought from other districts and neighboring countries.
His treatment relies on traditional herbs sourced from forested areas around Mile 91 in Tonkolili District. These herbs are ground, soaked, and administered in controlled quantities to patients. “My method is natural,” Pa Hassan emphasized. “It involves no chemicals, only what nature provides.”
Pa Hassan’s work faces significant challenges, including lack of space, poor sanitation, inadequate food and water supplies, and the need for a proper healing center.
“I’ve started digging a borehole for clean water, but I lack the resources to finish it,” he lamented. “I need support to expand and properly care for my patients.”
On the day of Awoko’s visit, Manso was awaiting discharge under the supervision of his elder sister. Despite the hardships, Pa Hassan continues his mission, supported by his children who help manage the growing number of patients in their modest home—an unconventional sanctuary amid Sierra Leone’s Kush epidemic. AJ/3/5/2025
