By Mariama Benovia Davies
At the Weekly Press Conference held on 12 May 2026, Ansumana Konneh, Pillar Lead for Rehabilitation and Reintegration at National Task Force on Drug and Substance Abuse (NaFDsA), highlighted the critical role families must play in addressing the growing challenge of drug and substance abuse in Sierra Leone. He noted that consultations on the proposed religious policy are still ongoing and emphasized that no official policy has yet been finalized, as the process remains inclusive and under review.
Konneh also reflected on the progress made since President Julius Maada Bio declared a State of Emergency on drug and substance abuse in April 2024, which led to the formation of the National Task Force on Drug and Substance Abuse. He explained that the task force operates through five pillars covering community engagement, awareness raising, care and treatment, rehabilitation and reintegration, and law enforcement. As head of the rehabilitation and reintegration pillar, he disclosed that rehabilitation centres are now operating in PMTC, Dongo, Daru, Gannamabu, Kono, and Makeni.
According to Konneh, about 784 young people have gone through rehabilitation and reintegration programmes, with facilities in Kono and Makeni currently accommodating about 50 victims each. He revealed that over 3,000 individuals are on the national drug abuse database, including children, describing the situation as deeply worrying. He stressed that many young people gain access to drugs through adults and family members, warning that irresponsible parenting has become a major contributor to the crisis.
He further disclosed troubling cases where some parents allegedly sell or prepare drugs within their homes, turning drug addiction into a serious child protection and safeguarding issue. Konneh urged families to pay close attention to behavioral changes in children and seek help from the Ministry of Social Welfare for assessment and treatment. He also emphasized the important role women play in prevention, recovery, and reintegration efforts aimed at protecting communities from the growing threat of drug abuse in Sierra Leone
