By: Aminata Sesay
As the debate on the Presidential Speech delivered by His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio continued in the Well of Parliament, Hon. Sia Mahawa Tommy, Member of Parliament for Kono District, made a passionate call for national unity, youth empowerment, and stronger collective action to address the growing drug crisis affecting Sierra Leone’s young people.
Speaking on the second day of the debate, Hon. Tommy commended President Bio for what she described as “transformational leadership that continues to change lives across the country.” She praised the administration’s commitment to empowering women and youth through various livelihood initiatives, including the distribution of motorbikes, fishing boats, and community development grants, which have contributed to strengthening local economies.
“President Bio has consistently shown that he is a leader for all one who believes in the power of education, empowerment, and inclusion,” she said. “Through programs targeting women and young people, this government is laying the foundation for sustainable national growth.”
Hon. Tommy also highlighted progress under the Feed Salone agricultural initiative, improved access to healthcare, and expanded educational opportunities through the Free Quality Education (FQE) program. She noted that these initiatives were reshaping rural communities, particularly in districts like Kono, where women are increasingly involved in community governance and business ventures.
However, the Kono lawmaker expressed serious concern over the alarming rise in drug abuse, particularly the spread of the synthetic drug “kush,” which she described as a threat to the nation’s future. She called on all Members of Parliament, across party lines, to unite in tackling what she termed a “national emergency.”
“This is not a fight for one region or one party. The kush crisis is eroding our human capital and destroying families. We must act together lawmakers, law enforcement, and communities to save our young people,” Hon. Tommy declared.
She concluded by reaffirming her commitment to President Bio’s vision for an inclusive and prosperous Sierra Leone, while calling for more community-led programs that give women and youth a meaningful stake in the country’s development process.
“Let us build on what we have achieved,” she urged, “and work together to secure a brighter, drug-free future for our nation.”