House of Representatives Review Petition for Nationwide Ban on Shisha

Monrovia, Liberia: The Plenary of the House of Representatives has mandated its Committees on Youth and Sports and Health to review a petition submitted by the Restoring Hope Foundation International, calling for the banning of the importation, sale, and consumption of shisha.

The decision was made during Plenary’s regular session Thursday, March 20, 2025, during its 17th Day Sitting of the First Quarter of the Session, as lawmakers acknowledged the growing concerns about the public health risks associated with the proliferation of hookah, commonly known as shisha, in Liberia.

In its petition, Restoring Hope Foundation International Executive Director Maxson Kpakio highlighted the severe health effects of hookah smoking, particularly its impact on general health and the cardiovascular system of a human.

He noted 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.

The petition further explained that shisha smoke contains nicotine, a highly addictive substance, and cancer-causing chemicals, with studies indicating that shisha smokers may face double risk of lung cancer and increased risks for mouth and stomach cancers.

Additionally, the group warned that the 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.

The House Committees are expected to thoroughly review the petition and provide recommendations to Plenary upon return from the First Quarter Break.

Edited: E. Geedahgar Garsuah, Sr.