By Kadijatu Bangura, Daily Scope Reporter
In a significant step towards tackling substance abuse among young people, the Ministry of Social Welfare has admitted 50 youths for drug rehabilitation at the Gonduma Barracks Rehabilitation Centre in Bo. This initiative is part of the government’s ongoing campaign to rehabilitate vulnerable individuals grappling with addiction to substances like kush and tramadol.
During the official admission ceremony, Minister of Social Welfare Melrose Karmintry voiced urgent concerns over the troubling rise in female involvement in the sale and distribution of illicit drugs. She characterized this trend as a critical threat to the future of Sierra Leone’s youth, warning that women caught selling these dangerous substances would face detention, emphasizing, “There are legitimate ways to earn a living beyond engaging in drug trade.”
Minister Karmintry praised parents who have reached out for assistance for their children, describing their proactive approach as vital for fostering responsibility and restoring lives.
Colonel Jacob Johnson, Chief of Staff at Gonduma Barracks, assured attendees that the youths admitted into the programme would receive comprehensive care, including counseling and structured rehabilitation services. He urged the participants to embrace discipline and seize the opportunity for personal transformation.
Dr. Amara Stevens Ngegbai, the District Medical Officer of the Bo District Health Management Team (DHMT), also spoke at the event, underscoring the severe mental health risks associated with kush. He warned that the drug can lead to quick and potentially fatal consequences, stating, “Kush is extremely harmful. It can kill swiftly and inflict lasting damage on mental health.”
The admission of this second group bolsters Sierra Leone’s broader strategy to combat drug addiction, safeguard at-risk youth, and enhance community well-being.
As efforts to address this pressing issue continue, the Gonduma Rehabilitation Centre remains a beacon of hope for families seeking recovery and renewal for their loved ones.
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