Ministry of Social Welfare Discharges 100 Drug Victims as Ambassadors of Positive Change.

Ministry of Social Welfare discharged 100 victims of drug and substance abuse today at Peace Mission Training Centre (PMTC), Hastings, celebrating seventh batch of graduates now renamed Ambassadors of Positive Change.

Director Ansumana Konneh, Psycho Social Support and Services, moderated event. He told kush-affected persons, now rebranded with positive purpose, they deserve acceptance back into society.

Minister Melrose Karminty thanked God Almighty during her keynote address for reaching formal discharge day. She noted that without divine help, this stage would not have been possible.

"Before now, these ones were on the street. Some left school, university, business place, and took to drugs. That was not good for Sierra Leone's development," she said.

Minister Karminty explained that President Julius Maada Bio's human capital development agenda established the rehabcentere.The governmentt fully supports feeding and care through home parents.

"I am very happy today that we have formally handed over former drug users now identified as Ambassadors of Positive Change. These ones will change others in their respective communities," she said.

She noted family excitement during handover. Government’s is happy to return 100 rebranded people to society, but that is not all. A reintegration programme ensures return to schools, universities, busines, es and skill training centres.

Minister Karminty affirmed that her ministry will reconnect beneficiaries to line ministries including Youth, Higher and Technical Education, and Basic Education. Social workers will follow up to prevent relapse. She called on other partners to support government effort.

"If we are not protecting our youth, we are not protecting this country. Everyone must support government effort," she warned.

The Ministry has established rehabilitation centres not only at PMTC in Freetown but also in Bo, Godama, Duru, Makeni and Kono.

Minister Karminty advised parents to play responsible roles protecting and guiding their children. She has proposed "A Family Day," a national discussion on family-based fight against drug abuse.

Mr. Robert Banamwana, Head of Office, UN Resident Coordinator Office, spoke on behalf of the UN Resident Coordinator. He said today marks a day of hope and renewal.

Two weeks ago, during the UN Secretary General's youth visit, these kush victims declared readiness to become Ambassadors of Positive Change. He expressed happiness seeing their discharge become reality.

"Your journey from addiction to recovery. You have shown that kush, despite devastation it has caused, does not define you. What defines you is strength, courage and determination to rebuild your lives and communities," he said.

He assured United Nations commitment to national drug fight, strengthening rehabilitation and promoting integration. Recovery is not the end but the beginning of a new chapter. Integration into society, education and skill development are pillars that will sustain transformation.

He encouraged beneficiaries to embrace opportunities from UN Agencies including UNDP's youth empowerment initiative. He called on all partners to support government through Ministry of Social Welfare.

Dr. Abdul K. Mbawah, Director of HR and Administration (NPHA), spoke on behalf of Executive Director Professor Foday Sahr, Chairman Task Force on Drug and Substance Abuse. He thanked government, Ministry of Social Welfare and all partners for event success.

The agency's responsibility is ensuring all resources for proper rehabilitation and integration. He said they would do their best to reintegrate beneficiaries into former schools and universities.

Mr. Bayor warned that anyone caught selling drugs to discharged persons would be reported to authorities. He urged parents to accept rebranded individuals back into society without stigma. They are now changed, useful, better citizens who can add value to Sierra Leone's development.

Colonel Abdul Baba Keith, Commandant (PMTC), RSLAF, addressed the audience. On March 6, 2026, Minister Karminty handed over 105 drug abusers to the rehabilitation centre at PMTC. The military received them well due to their willingness to transform their lives.

On behalf of the Chief of Defence Staff, he thanked Minister Karminty for considering Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces' role in supporting government's human capital development agenda. The institution feels honoured to be part of history making. He officially handed over the newly identified Ambassadors of Positive Change.

Mr. George Browne, District Literacy Organizer, Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, stated that today marks a milestone and hopeful moment for drug victims. He affirmed his ministry's support for those ready to return to school and university.

He noted reintegration challenges due to unavailability of some seeking return. He encouraged beneficiaries to make themselves available and follow due process.

Mr. Ibrahim Sammuel Dugba, Director Drug Prevention, Education and Training, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, spoke on behalf of Executive Director Andrew Jah Kaikai. He said these individuals are no longer called service users.

Today is a deeply meaningful moment for the Agency. They gather not just to witness an event but to celebrate transformation, resilience and hope. This is the seventh discharge ceremony for individuals who have successfully completed rehabilitation and now stand ready to return to communities with renewed purpose.

"To our ambassadors, you have done well by facing challenges that required courage, honesty and determination. You have taken responsibility for your lives, embraced change and committed yourselves to a better future," he said.

He encouraged beneficiaries to remain steadfast in this new phase. He advised parents to provide required support so efforts would not be in vain.

Activities included testimony from former discharged Ambassadors of Positive Change, poem readings and a short skit focused on rehabilitation, reintegration, no relapse and inspiring others to abstain from drug abuse.

In climax, the Ministry of Social Welfare conducted a formal discharge of 100 victims from the Kush rehabilitation programme. These individuals had been subjected to various forms of exploitation and abuse. Their rehabilitation was a priority for the Ministry.

Additional facilities provided include psychological support and counselling; offer vocational training and educational opportunitie, facilitatinge reintegration into societ, andensuringe ongoing support and monitoring post-discharge.

Correspondent: Joel Foday Dumbuya

Ministry of Social Welfare

Tel: +232 88 296029 / +232 75211450