By Sallieu S. Kanu
Kenema, Sierra Leone — October 26, 2025: In a solemn and emotionally charged ceremony held in Kenema City, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Social Welfare Melrose Karminty, led the admission of 40 drug-addicted youth into the Daru Barracks rehabilitation program. The initiative marks a critical step in the government’s ongoing efforts to combat the devastating impact of drug abuse, particularly the widespread use of the synthetic drug known as Kush.
Addressing the victims and their families, the Minister described the moment as a turning point in the lives of the young men and women affected. “This is the last step my ministry can offer to help you reclaim your future,” she said, urging the victims to embrace the opportunity with humility, discipline, and renewed hope.
The Minister expressed deep empathy for the families, especially the mothers, who have endured years of heartbreak and despair. She emphasized that the fight against drug abuse is not just a policy issue but a moral and national imperative. “When I speak of human capital development, I am speaking of the youth—the heartbeat of our nation,” she stated. “It saddens me that while the government is working tirelessly to create 500,000 jobs for young people, the deadly influence of Kush continues to destroy the very leaders we depend on for tomorrow.”
The Daru Barracks rehabilitation program is expected to continue admitting more victims in the coming weeks, offering structured support, counseling, and vocational training aimed at reintegrating affected youth into society.
Kush Epidemic
Sierra Leone is currently grappling with a severe drug crisis fueled by the proliferation of Kush, a cheap and highly addictive synthetic drug. Since 2022, hundreds of young people have died from Kush-related complications, and the epidemic has escalated into a full-blown public health emergency.
Kush is often laced with dangerous opioids and synthetic cannabinoids, making it particularly lethal. Its affordability and accessibility have made it popular among vulnerable youth, many of whom suffer from overdoses, mental health breakdowns, and social isolation. The drug has destabilized communities, led to school dropouts, and increased crime rates.
In 2025 alone, the Freetown City Council buried 142 victims of Kush abuse, prompting Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr to declare the crisis a national emergency. Civil society groups and health professionals have called for urgent, coordinated action to address the epidemic, including increased rehabilitation services, public education, and law enforcement crackdowns on drug trafficking.
The government’s response, including initiatives like the Daru Barracks rehabilitation program, reflects a growing recognition of the need to rescue Sierra Leone’s youth from the grip of addiction and restore their potential as future leaders.