By: Saidu Jalloh
The Minister of Social Welfare, Mrs. Melrose Karminty, has called for enhanced collaboration between government institutions and development partners to effectively tackle the pressing social challenges facing Sierra Leone.
Speaking at the Government of Sierra Leone NGO Dialogue Meeting, held at the Brookfields Hotel in Freetown and organized by the Office of the Vice President, Minister Karminty stressed the urgent need for a united front to address issues such as drug and substance abuse, youth rehabilitation, and social reintegration.
The meeting, held under the theme “Strengthening Partnership and Creating an Enabling Environment for Non-Governmental Organizations,” brought together key actors in the social development sector. Minister Karminty emphasized that meaningful progress in combating these national issues could only be achieved through collective action and sustained partnerships.
Referring to the government’s commitment, led by His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio, to treat drug abuse as a national emergency, she remarked:
“If we don’t get their collaboration and support, I do not know how we are going to forge ahead.”
She highlighted that the national drug abuse emergency requires both preventive and rehabilitative interventions to be effective.
The Minister also outlined her Ministry’s ongoing initiatives, including the registration of victims, provision of psychosocial support, and the establishment of rehabilitation centers aimed at reintegrating affected youths into society as productive citizens.
Acknowledging the crucial role that NGOs play in bridging resource gaps, Minister Karminty urged for stronger coordination and shared responsibility between all stakeholders.
“The government needs to partner with agencies, but our partners must also come and see how we can support each other,” she appealed.
Minister Karminty emphasized that the nation’s youth represent the cornerstone of Sierra Leone’s future and called on all stakeholders including government agencies, civil society organizations, and community leaders to act decisively and collaboratively.
She concluded with a call to action, underscoring the need for a unified effort:
“We must come together, coordinate effectively, and confront this menace head-on for the sake of our young people and the future of Sierra Leone.”