By: Saidu Jalloh
Minister of Social Welfare, Melrose Karminty, has expressed concern over the increasing breakdown of family structures in Sierra Leone, warning that the trend is contributing significantly to rising cases of drug abuse, teenage pregnancy, early marriage, and juvenile delinquency across the country.
Speaking during the Government Weekly Press Conference hosted by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education (MoICE) at the Miatta Conference Centre in Freetown on Tuesday, 12th May 2026, the Minister described the family as the foundation of society and called for urgent collective action to restore family values.
Drawing from her experience over the past three years at the Ministry of Social Welfare, Karminty stated that many of the social challenges confronting the country are rooted in weakened family systems and poor parental guidance.
She emphasized that rebuilding strong family relationships is essential for national development and social stability, noting that the absence of proper family support continues to expose many young people to harmful behaviours, substance abuse, and criminal activities.
The Minister also announced that Sierra Leone will formally commemorate the International Day of Families for the first time since the United Nations established the observance in 1993.
According to her, the commemoration will feature a series of activities aimed at promoting awareness about the importance of strong and functional families in addressing social challenges.
She disclosed that activities will begin on Saturday, 16th May 2026, with an awareness march from Aberdeen to SOS Children’s Village, where participants will sign a public commitment board in support of strengthening family systems.
Karminty further revealed that a National Conference on the State of the Family will be held on Monday, 18th May 2026, at the Miatta Conference Centre. The event will bring together key stakeholders to discuss challenges affecting families and explore possible solutions.
On the issue of religious regulation, the Minister reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s longstanding tradition of religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence between Christians and Muslims.
She dismissed reports suggesting that the Government intends to regulate religious preaching, clarifying that ongoing consultations are focused on developing a framework to regulate the conduct of religious clerics and not to interfere with freedom of worship or religious practices.
The Minister assured the public that the consultations are inclusive and nationwide, adding that any proposed policy recommendations would still require Cabinet approval before implementation.