By Joseph Momoh
MAKENI – The Ministry of Social Welfare has discharged a second batch of 60 former drug abuse victims from its rehabilitation centre at Tekoh Barracks in Makeni, marking a major milestone in the Government’s fight against drug and substance abuse.
The beneficiaries, now designated Ambassadors of Positive Change, were formally discharged at a ceremony held on Friday, September 11, 2026. This comes three months after the first batch was discharged in June 2026.
Speaking at the ceremony, Social Welfare Minister Melrose Karminty reaffirmed Government’s commitment to tackling the drug crisis and safeguarding young people from its devastating effects.
She charged the ambassadors not to return to their old ways but to use their painful experiences to inspire others, serve as role models and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
Minister Karminty called on families and communities to embrace the discharged victims and shun stigma and discrimination, stressing that reintegration requires collective support.
“President Julius Maada Bio believes in giving young people second chances to rebuild their lives and become change makers,” she said, adding that young people must be mentally and physically healthy to benefit from government jobs and other opportunities.
She assured that the Ministry will continue to work with partners, families and communities to protect the mental and psychosocial wellbeing of affected persons.
In his statement on behalf of the beneficiaries, one of the ambassadors thanked the Government, social workers, medical personnel, military staff, families and partners for their support throughout the rehabilitation process.
He said the programme had restored their hope, helped them rediscover their potential and prepared them to return to society as productive citizens. He pledged that they would encourage others still struggling with drug abuse to seek help and choose a positive path.
The Ministry said rehabilitation, recovery and reintegration remain central to the Government’s strategy to combat drug abuse and restore dignity to affected young people.
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