Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. The Ministry of Social Welfare, in partnership with the Coalition Against Drug Abuse and Community Transformation Sierra Leone (CADacT-SL), on 18 November 2025 visited the Government’s Harmful Drug Rehabilitation Facility in Daru, Jawie Chiefdom, Kailahun District, to evaluate the progress of recovering victims and reaffirm the government’s commitment to combating the harmful drug crisis affecting young people across the country.
Speaking during the visit, Darlington Kajua Sesay, Director of Social Welfare East, said the government has adopted a multi-pronged approach to tackling the drug pandemic. He noted that rehabilitation centres have already been established in Hastings (Freetown), Gondama (Bo), and Daru (Kailahun), with plans underway to open another facility in Teko (Makeni). Sesay added that support from the military has been crucial in strengthening the operations of these centres.
CADacT-SL Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Saffa, raised concern over the increasing abuse of Kush and other synthetic substances, describing the situation as a “national crisis.” He commended Minister Melrose Karminty for her strong support in the fight against drug abuse and reaffirmed the organization’s continued commitment to prevention, rehabilitation, and justice.
The visit also drew emotional reactions from Madam Nancy Admire Mustapha, Executive Director of Widows Empowerment, who became visibly moved while listening to testimonials from recovering victims. She appealed to Sierra Leonean youth to protect their future by staying away from harmful drugs.
Sub-Inspector Brima James Musa, Head of Media for Sierra Leone Police East, strongly condemned individuals involved in the production and sale of Kush. He singled out parents who profit from the illegal trade, calling it a betrayal of parental responsibility.
Pastor Solomon Kamara, Acting Centre Coordinator at the Daru Rehabilitation Centre, expressed gratitude to President Julius Maada Bio for what he described as timely and essential leadership in addressing the drug problem.
Providing an overview of the facility, Elizabeth Katay Toogbabu, a social worker at the Kenema Regional Office, said the centre currently hosts 39 service users, 34 males and 5 females, who are housed in separate billets for proper organization and care.
The visit ended with a group photograph and psychosocial counselling sessions for residents, marking another step in the government’s broader effort to support victims of drug abuse and stem the spread of harmful substances in Sierra Leone.
For More News And Analysis About Sierra-Leone Follow Africa-Press
