By Kadijatu Bangura, Daily Scope
On November 18, 2025, the Ministry of Social Welfare, in collaboration with the Coalition Against Drug Abuse and Community Transformation Sierra Leone (CADacT-SL), conducted a site visit to the Government’s Harmful Drug Rehabilitation Facility in Daru, Jawie Chiefdom, Kailahun District. The visit aimed to assess the progress of rehabilitation efforts and reaffirm the government’s commitment to addressing the growing drug crisis among the nation’s youth.
Darlington Kajua Sesay, Director of Social Welfare East, highlighted the government’s comprehensive approach to combating drug abuse. He noted the establishment of rehabilitation centres in Hastings (Freetown), Gondama (Bo), and Daru (Kailahun), with plans for an additional facility in Teko (Makeni). Sesay emphasized the vital support from the military in enhancing the operations of these centres.
Andrew Saffa, CEO of CADacT-SL, voiced concern over the rising abuse of Kush and other synthetic drugs, labeling it a “national crisis.” He praised Minister Melrose Karminty for her strong advocacy against drug abuse and reaffirmed CADacT-SL’s commitment to prevention, rehabilitation, and legal action against offenders.
The visit elicited emotional responses, particularly from Madam Nancy Admire Mustapha, Executive Director of Widows Empowerment. Moved by the testimonials of recovering victims, she urged Sierra Leonean youth to safeguard their futures by avoiding harmful substances.
Sub-Inspector Brima James Musa, Head of Media for the Sierra Leone Police East, condemned the production and sale of Kush, emphasizing the betrayal of parental responsibility among those who profit from this illegal trade.
Pastor Solomon Kamara, Acting Centre Coordinator at the Daru Rehabilitation Centre, expressed gratitude to President Julius Maada Bio for his timely leadership in tackling the drug crisis.
Elizabeth Katay Toogbabu, a social worker from the Kenema Regional Office, provided an overview of the facility, which currently accommodates 39 service users—34 males and 5 females—housed in separate areas to ensure proper care and organization.
The visit concluded with a group photograph and psychosocial counseling sessions for residents, marking a significant step in the government’s ongoing efforts to support victims of drug abuse and mitigate the impact of harmful substances in Sierra Leone.
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