By: Saidu Jalloh
In a decisive move to address the growing issue of drug and substance abuse, the Honourable Minister of Social Welfare, Mrs. Melrose Karminty, officially inaugurated the Southern Region Rehabilitation Centre at the Godama Rehab Center in Bo on May 16, 2025. The opening ceremony was a significant milestone, attended by key government officials, local leaders, and community members, all expressing strong support for the initiative as a vital step in combating the region’s increasing struggle with drug dependency.
In her address, Minister Karminty highlighted the government’s unwavering commitment to the full recovery and successful reintegration of individuals affected by addiction. She emphasized that the newly established rehabilitation center represents a beacon of hope for individuals battling substance abuse and their families.
She revealed that the center will begin its critical work by admitting an initial group of 50 individuals who were previously under the care of the Godama Rehab Centre. These individuals will now receive specialized, regionally focused treatment, including access to essential medical interventions and professional counseling services tailored to support their recovery and reintegration into society.
Minister Karminty expressed her gratitude for the collective efforts of healthcare professionals, social workers, and community advocates whose hard work and dedication made the establishment of this center possible. She also called for continued and expanded support for rehabilitation programs across Sierra Leone, reinforcing the government’s commitment to building healthier and more resilient communities nationwide.
This new center follows the opening of another rehabilitation facility in February 2024 at the Peace Mission Training Centre (PMTC) in Hastings, Freetown, by the government of Sierra Leone and its partners. Several cohorts of rehabilitated drug users have already been successfully discharged from the Hastings facility.