In a significant step towards addressing the growing concern of drug and substance abuse in Sierra Leone, the Ministry of Social Welfare has admitted a new batch of victims into the Peace Mission Training Rehabilitation Center (PMTC) in Hastings, Freetown. The initiative underscores the government’s commitment to tackling drug addiction and reintegrating affected individuals into society.
The admission ceremony brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from various ministries, departments, and agencies, parents, and service users. The Director of Mental Health at the Ministry, Mr. Ansu Kanneh, officially welcomed the beneficiaries and emphasised the privilege of being selected for the program. He highlighted that many others struggling with substance abuse do not have access to such opportunities and urged the participants to embrace the rehabilitation process to become agents of positive change in their communities.
Professor Sahr Foday, National Coordinator of the National Task Force on Drugs and Substance Abuse, outlined the government’s comprehensive five-pronged strategy to combat drug abuse. He elaborated on key components, including prevention and awareness led by the Ministry of Information and rehabilitation and reintegration spearheaded by the Ministry of Social Welfare. Professor Foday also reiterated the government’s unwavering support for establishing the PMTC rehabilitation facility, which provides counseling and reintegration services for drug users.
Honorable Ibrahim Bundu, a former parliamentarian, played a dual role at the event—as both a facilitator and a concerned parent. His 35-year-old son, who has struggled with drug addiction, was among the admitted beneficiaries. Mr. Bundu commended the Ministry’s efforts and announced plans to establish a private rehabilitation center in Port Loko by the end of March 2025. He reaffirmed his dedication to the fight against drug abuse, even in his retirement.
Colonel Abdul Baba Keita, Commandant of the Peace Mission Training Center, reassured parents about the safety and well-being of their children at the facility. He pledged the full support of the security forces in combating drug abuse. He advised service users to adhere to the program’s rules, respect their parents, and cooperate with program coordinators.
In her keynote address, the Honorable Minister of Social Welfare, Melrose Karminty, expressed her gratitude to Professor Sahr Foday, Honorable Ibrahim Bundu, the Director of Mental Health, social workers, parents, and service users for their commitment to the initiative. She highlighted that this was the fourth batch of individuals admitted to the program, bringing the total number of rehabilitated and reintegrated individuals to over 400. This latest intake includes 50 individuals -47 boys and 3 girls.
Minister Karminty reaffirmed that the battle against drug abuse is a collective responsibility that requires sustained efforts. She called on all stakeholders to remain steadfast in their support and reiterated the government’s continued commitment to addressing drug abuse and rehabilitation in Sierra Leone.
Abu Bakarr Sama
Phone at 077267549 / 076626242. E
mail: abubakarrsama1992@gmail.com.
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