But Why Have Liberian Lawmakers Not Acted So Far, Despite Receiving Formal Petition?

By Our Staff Writer

For many months now, there have been calls for the banning of the use of Shish and the unregulated sales and use of Tramadol in Liberia, in the wake of the upsurge in the trafficking, use and abuse of narcotic drug substances in this West African county.

Despite being formally petitioned to pass a law banning this dangerous substance, the Liberian Legislature has so far failed to act.

In its petition calling for a ban earlier this year, a copy of which was sent to www.newsupublictrust.com, the group, Restoring Hope Foundation International (RHHI) headed by Mr. Maxsn Kpakio said:

 “In the quest of fighting against this substance which is posing serious future health challenge, several countries across the world have placed a ban on the importation, sale, and consumption of it including, Afghanistan, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Ghana, the Gambia and many other countries.” Why Rights Group Petitioning Liberian Legislature To Ban Use Of Shisha – News Public Trust

But now, the Health Ministry has taken action.

Health Ministry officials, speaking on the state radio ELBC Thursday morning quoted United Nations survey as saying that the country’s some 20% of the Liberian population are now affected by substance abuse.

According to the British Heart Foundation (BHF), “Shisha is smoking a heated tobacco smoke which bubbles through a bowl of water and into a long hose-like pipe to be breathed in. Shisha pipes have a mouthpiece fitted to inhale the smoke.”

It was on the same day, August 21, 2025 that the Health Ministry released a breaking news announcing a ban on Shisha and Tramadol: “In response to the escalating drug epidemic and national public health emergency, the Minister of Health has declared a moratorium effective August 22, 2025, on the sale and distribution of Tramadol and Shisha across Liberia.”