The House of Representatives is reviewing a petition to halt importation, sale and consumption of Shisha and Kush in Liberia.
By Bridgett Milton
Monrovia, Liberia, March 21, 2025 – The House of Representatives has instructed its Committees on Youth and Sports and Health to review a petition submitted by Restoring Hope Foundation International, calling for a ban on importation, sale, and consumption of shisha and a substance known as kush across Liberia.
The House of Representatives took the decision here Thursday, March 20, 2025, during its regular session.
The petition was presented by the Chairperson on Claims and Petitions, Rep. Prince A. Toles of Montserrado County District # 8.
According to the petitioners, they highlighted severe health effects of hookah smoking, particularly its impact on general health and the cardiovascular system.
The group notes that while shisha is often wrongly perceived as less harmful than cigarettes, it exposes users to many of the same toxic compounds and by-products at significantly higher levels, posing risks of infections, cancers, lung diseases, and other medical conditions.
It reveals that shisha smoke contains nicotine, a highly addictive substance, and cancer-causing chemicals, with studies indicating shisha smokers may face double risk of lung cancer and increased risks for mouth and stomach cancers.
According to the group, social acceptance, availability of flavored tobacco, and misconceptions about its safety have contributed to the widespread use of hookahs, particularly among youths and urban populations in Liberia.
The petition also addressed the alarming emergence of kush, calling it a serious public health threat that demands urgent legislative attention.
Lawmakers also acknowledged the growing concerns about the public health risks associated with the rising use of hookah (commonly known as shisha) and kush, a dangerous drug gaining notoriety across the region.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has adjourned its regular session for the first Quarter of the second session.
The first quarter of the House of Representatives ran from January 13, 2025 to March 20, 2025, is expected to resume on the second Friday in May.
Giving statistical reports during the closing, Deputy Speaker Thomas P. Fallah, disclosed that during the quarter, there were total number of 25 sittings, including 17 regular (open) sittings, 3 executive sittings, and 5 leadership sittings.
He said the total number of Bills passed were two (2) one from the House and one from the Senate, while 22 legislative items, including bills, resolutions, and petitions, remained under review in committee rooms.
The report detailed 14 appearances in both plenary and leadership sessions, alongside 65 communications received from lawmakers, the Executive, institutions, individuals, and abroad.
Presiding duties were shared between the Speaker and Deputy Speaker, with a total of 16 sessions presided over during the quarter.
Fallah commended the legislature for its dedication and emphasized the importance of maintaining focus on governance and legislative oversight.
With a grand total of 144 activities recorded, the report underscores the House’s commitment to addressing national issues and advancing its legislative agenda.
The first Quarter break is expected to run from 20 March to the 2nd Friday of May 2025. Editing by Jonathan Browne
