By: Abu H. Kargbo
In a continued effort to support the government’s fight against substance abuse in Sierra Leone, the “Say No to Drugs” Campaign Team recently concluded a one-day school sensitization program in Freetown.
The campaign is the brainchild of former Freetown United player Abu Bakarr Sillah, now based in the United Kingdom, and Mamadu Barrie, CEO of the Barrie Help Foundation. The initiative received widespread praise and featured participation from notable former Leone Stars players, including long-time captain Amadu “Rappel” Kamara and legendary goal scorer Abu “Gbana Loko” Kanu of East End Lions.
According to Abu Bakarr Sillah, the campaign focused on selected primary schools across the East, Central, and Western areas of Freetown. He emphasized that the goal is to combat drug abuse by reaching children early—“catching them when they are young.”
As part of the campaign, each of the fifteen participating schools received a pair of jerseys and three standard footballs. The football legends also engaged students, encouraging them to prioritize education and sports over drugs.
The beneficiary schools include: Holy Trinity, St. Philips, Amari, S.L.M.B., Ahmadiyya Muslim, Cathedral, St. Edward’s, Samaria, Regent Square, Buxton, St. Anthony, Tower Hill, Murray Town, Police, St. John, and Kroobay Municipal Primary School.