By: Fatmata Grace Okekearu, Bo City
The Ministry of Social Welfare (Sierra Leone), in collaboration with the National Taskforce on Drug and Substance Abuse (Sierra Leone), on Sunday, March 8, 2026, admitted a third batch of victims of drug and substance abuse into a rehabilitation programme at the 5 Infantry Brigade in Gondama, Tikonko Chiefdom, Bo District.
According to the Bo District Director of the Ministry of Social Welfare, Michael James, a total of 50 individuals battling drug addiction were selected for the 2026 rehabilitation programme. He explained that the beneficiaries were carefully screened before admission to undergo detoxification and psychosocial rehabilitation, aimed at helping them recover and reintegrate into society.
Speaking during the admission ceremony, Abu Bakarr Mbawa, Director of Human Resources and Administration at the National Public Health Agency (Sierra Leone), emphasised that the agency’s primary mandate is to save lives. He noted that drug addiction is often driven by negative peer influence and warned that the growing prevalence of substance abuse poses a serious threat to the nation’s future.
Dr. Mbawa described drug abuse as a national concern requiring urgent and collective action from both government and society. He stressed that timely intervention is essential to protect the country’s young population, whom he described as the future leaders of Sierra Leone.
Also addressing the gathering, Simeon M. Vibbi, Deputy Chief of Staff of the 5 Infantry Brigade of the Sierra Leone Armed Forces, briefed the admitted participants on the operational protocols of the rehabilitation facility. He explained that the centre operates under strict security measures, noting that there are no escape routes and that the premises are monitored around the clock by military personnel.
He further stated that the centre is supported by a team of psychosocial counsellors and caregivers who will provide professional guidance and assistance throughout the rehabilitation process.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Minister of Social Welfare, Ansu Konneh, Director of Mental Health and Psychosocial Services in the Ministry of Social Welfare, disclosed that the 50 admitted individuals were carefully assessed before their selection for the programme. He said each participant is expected to undergo a comprehensive rehabilitation process lasting up to 50 days.
Konneh emphasised that the Government of Sierra Leone remains committed to protecting the nation’s future and addressing the growing challenge of drug and substance abuse. He explained that the establishment of the National Taskforce on Drug and Substance Abuse forms part of the government’s broader strategy to tackle the problem through five key pillars: prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, law enforcement, and community engagement.
He also revealed that the government is determined to dismantle drug supply networks through strict enforcement measures and punitive actions against traffickers and dealers.
Citing recent data gathered by the ministry, Konneh expressed concern that drug and substance abuse is increasingly prevalent among girls and women across the country. He therefore called on parents and caregivers to support children who fall victim to addiction, urging them to forgive past mistakes and assist in their recovery.
“Parents should not abandon their children because of drug addiction. Instead, they should accept them, support them, and help them rebuild their lives,” he said.
A key highlight of the ceremony was the testimony delivered by two former drug addicts who had previously undergone rehabilitation and are now serving as change agents. They shared their personal experiences of addiction and recovery, encouraging the newly admitted participants to remain committed to the programme and embrace a new path toward a productive and drug-free life.
The rehabilitation initiative forms part of the government’s ongoing efforts to combat drug abuse and restore hope to affected individuals and families across Sierra Leone.