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The Executive Director of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Dr. Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai, has urged students nationwide to steer clear of drug abuse and prioritize their education, warning about the serious mental health risks linked to substance misuse.
Dr. Abdulai made the appeal on Thursday, 19 February 2026, while addressing more than 2,000 high school pupils at the Inter-School Debate Competition on Mental Health and Substance Abuse held at the Miattia Conference Hall in Freetown. Speaking as Guest of Honour, he emphasized the strong link between drug abuse and mental health challenges.
“The wrong use of drugs can lead to serious mental health problems,” he cautioned, encouraging students to make responsible decisions that will protect their future.
The NSA Chief also reflected on Sierra Leone’s historic reputation for academic excellence, describing the country as the “Athens of West Africa” — a nod to its long-standing educational prominence in the region. He encouraged students to take full advantage of government-supported educational opportunities and remain committed to their studies.
Addressing concerns about the growing prevalence of harmful substances, including kush, Dr. Abdulai stressed that combating drug abuse requires collective action.
“We must be honest about drugs in this country. They are manufactured, imported, sold, and consumed by our people. We all must join the government in the fight against harmful substances,” he said.
He further challenged participants in the debate competition to present well-researched arguments and practical solutions, noting that young people play a critical role in shaping national responses to the drug crisis.
The event brought together students, teachers, and stakeholders from the education and health sectors, underscoring the importance of dialogue and awareness in addressing mental health and substance abuse among young people.
