The Government of Sierra Leone through the Ministry of Social Welfare and partners have launched the rehabilitation center for victims of drugs and substance abuse in the country.

The formal opening ceremony was done on the 22nd February 2024 at the peace mission-training center (PMTC) at Hastings Freetown.

The establishment of the center is in fulfilment of the plans of president Bio to ensure that the youths of Sierra Leone are reformed to make a positive outcome of their lives and talents in mapping and monitoring developmental activities in their various communities.

The Ministry of Social Welfare also maintained that this served to intensify the efforts to address the escalating issue of substance abuse particularly the prevalent use of Kush, which has significantly impeded national development & posed serious health risks to Sierra Leone’s youth population.

They added that, they have taken this proactive measure as part of recognizing the urgent need to address these challenges in the country.

The Ministry of Social Welfare’s efforts, coupled with the government’s initiatives under President Bio’s leadership, signify a concerted and determined approach to combatting substance abuse in Sierra Leone. It is hoped that these efforts will not only mitigate the immediate impact of drug abuse but also contribute to the long-term health and well-being of the nation’s youth population.

The Minister of Youths Affairs, Mohamed Orman Bangura expressed great concern over the idea as a bold step in the right direction to youth’s development.

He maintained that, they aim to combat the threat of drug abuse, specifically the Kush among the youths in the country, which May in turn help greatly to protect national development.