By Fatima Kpaka
FREETOWN — A major step toward addressing Sierra Leone’s growing addiction and mental health crisis was taken over the weekend with the launch of the ‘Centre of Addiction and Advocacy for Mental Wellbeing’. The ceremony, held at the Jane Dave Complex on Saturday, June 21, 2025, drew a diverse crowd of stakeholders, including policymakers, civil society leaders, legal practitioners, and community members.
Under the theme “Breaking the Silence, Building Strength: A Community Response to Addiction and Mental Health,” the center was launched as a response to the rising prevalence of drug abuse and psychological trauma—particularly among Sierra Leone’s youth.
Mr. Bah, a representative from the Ministry of Social Welfare, commended the initiative and emphasized the importance of collaboration between the center and government agencies to effectively combat addiction and promote mental wellness.
Delivering his keynote remarks, Prince Bull Luseni, Deputy Executive Director of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, acknowledged the alarming rise in drug addiction in the country—largely fueled by the accessibility of illicit substances. He praised the center’s leadership for “complementing government efforts” and pledged the agency’s continued support.
Guest speaker Ibrahim Samuel Dugba, Director of Drug Prevention, Education, and Training, echoed the call for community involvement. He urged Congo Water residents and stakeholders to rally around the center’s work, stressing that “addiction should be treated as a disease, not a moral failing,” and encouraging the public to show love and compassion to those suffering.
Youth activist and community leader Mohamed A. Conteh offered words of encouragement to the team behind the center, advising them to persevere through obstacles and remain committed to their vision. He also reassured affected youth that recovery is always within reach.
Founder and CEO Mohamed Kamara delivered an emotional address reflecting on the nation’s struggles—from civil war and Ebola to the recent drug crisis involving Kush. He highlighted the widespread psychological impact these events have had and emphasized the center’s mission: to empower individuals struggling with addiction and mental health issues through education, advocacy, treatment, counseling, and community reintegration.
“This is not just the birth of an organization,” Kamara said. “It is the beginning of a movement—one that aims to restore hope, dignity, and healing in communities across Sierra Leone.”
With heartfelt support from both state officials and civil society, the newly launched Centre of Addiction and Advocacy for Mental Wellbeing sets out to become a beacon of hope and resilience for those grappling with addiction and psychological trauma nationwide.