-As It Adjourns for First Quarter Break
By Jerromie S. Walters
The Plenary of the House of Representatives has tasked its Committees on Youth and Sports and Health with reviewing a petition from Restoring Hope Foundation International, which calls for a ban on the importation, sale, and consumption of shisha and the drug kush in Liberia. The decision was made during the House’s 17th regular session of the first quarter of its second session on Thursday, as lawmakers expressed growing concerns over the public health risks associated with these substances.
The petition from Restoring Hope Foundation International accentuates the severe health implications of shisha smoking, particularly its detrimental effects on cardiovascular health and overall well-being. Contrary to the common misconception that shisha is less harmful than cigarettes, the group emphasized that shisha exposes users to higher levels of toxic compounds, increasing the risk of infections, cancers, lung diseases, and other serious medical conditions.
According to the petition, shisha smoke contains nicotine—a highly addictive substance—and cancer-causing chemicals. Studies cited in the petition reveal that shisha smokers face double the risk of lung cancer and elevated risks of mouth and stomach cancers. The group also highlighted the social acceptance of shisha, the availability of flavored tobacco, and widespread misconceptions about its safety as key factors driving its popularity, particularly among Liberian youth and urban populations.
The petition also raised alarms about the emergence of kush, a dangerous drug gaining notoriety in the region. Restoring Hope Foundation International described kush as a significant public health threat that requires immediate legislative action to curb its spread and impact.
The House Committees on Youth and Sports and Health are expected to conduct a thorough review of the petition and present their recommendations to Plenary upon the resumption of sessions after the first quarter break.
House Adjourns for First Quarter Break
The House of Representatives of the 55th Legislature has adjourned its regular sessions for the first quarter of the second session, which ran from January 13, 2025, to March 20, 2025. Deputy House Speaker Thomas P. Fallah, who presided over the session, provided a comprehensive report on the House’s activities during the quarter.
According to Deputy Speaker Fallah, the House held a total of 25 sittings, comprising 17 regular (open) sessions, 3 executive sessions, and 5 leadership meetings. During this period, two bills were passed—one originating from the House and one from the Senate—while 22 legislative items, including bills, resolutions, and petitions, remain under review in various committees.
The report also detailed 14 appearances in both plenary and leadership sessions, alongside 65 communications received from lawmakers, the Executive Branch, institutions, individuals, and international sources. Presiding duties were shared between the Speaker and Deputy Speaker, with a combined total of 16 sessions presided over during the quarter.
Deputy Speaker Fallah commended the legislature for its dedication and stressed the importance of maintaining focus on governance and legislative oversight. The House recorded a total of 144 activities during the quarter, reflecting its commitment to addressing national issues and advancing its legislative agenda.
The first quarter break will run from March 20, 2025, to the second Friday of May 2025, with sessions set to resume shortly thereafter.
