By: Zacharia Jalloh, Ministry of Information and Civic Education
Introduction
Drug abuse, juvenile delinquency, and weakening family structures dominated discussions at this week’s Government Weekly Press Conference as the Ministry of Social Welfare and key stakeholders reflected on the state of the family in Sierra Leone ahead of the commemoration of the International Day of Families.
Officials warned that the breakdown of family values continues to fuel social challenges, including drug abuse, teenage pregnancy, early marriage, and youth crime. The following are the key highlights:
♦️Government Continues Push for Transparency Through Cabinet Conclusions
Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, reaffirmed Government’s commitment to transparency and accountability through the continued publication of Cabinet Conclusions.
He stated that President Dr. Julius Maada Bio remains committed to promoting open governance by keeping citizens informed about key government decisions.
Among the major Cabinet conclusions from the 6th May 2026 meeting was the approval of proposed amendments to sections of the Work Permit Act 2023 to align the legislation with the fully digitized work permit system that became operational in January 2026. Click the link for more updates on Cabinet Conclusions: https://bit.ly/4ujaHzu
♦️Government Clarifies Religious Regulation Consultation
Minister of Social Welfare, Melrose Karminty, emphasized Sierra Leone’s long-standing tradition of religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence between Christians and Muslims.
She strongly dismissed claims that the Government has introduced a policy targeting religious preaching, clarifying instead that consultations are ongoing to develop a framework regulating the conduct of religious clerics not religious worship or preaching itself.
Minister Karminty assured the public that consultations are inclusive and nationwide, adding that any final policy recommendation would require Cabinet approval.
♦️Family Breakdown Linked to Rising Social Challenges
Minister Karminty noted that her experience over the past three years at the Ministry of Social Welfare has shown that many of the country’s social problems including drug abuse, teenage pregnancy, early marriage, and juvenile delinquency are rooted in the breakdown of the family structure.
She described the family as the foundation of society and stressed the importance of restoring family values to strengthen national development.
The Minister further disclosed that Sierra Leone will formally commemorate the International Day of Families for the first time since the United Nations established the observance in 1993.
♦️National Family Day Activities Announced
Minister Karminty further announced a series of activities to mark the International Day of Families, aimed at raising awareness about the importance of strong family systems in combating social issues.
Minister Karminty revealed that activities will begin on Saturday 16th May 2026 with an awareness march from Aberdeen to SOS Children’s Village, where participants will sign a public commitment board supporting strong and functional families.
She added that a National Conference on the State of the Family will take place on Monday 18th May 2026 at the Miatta Civic Center.
♦️Gender Minister Raises Concern Over Challenges Facing Women and Girls
Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Dr. Isata Mahoi, highlighted persistent challenges affecting gender equality and women’s empowerment in Sierra Leone.
She disclosed that girls in female-headed households and rural communities remain more vulnerable to social and economic hardship. While acknowledging progress in women’s participation across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), she noted that leadership opportunities for women remain limited.
Dr. Mahoi stressed that educating and economically empowering women strengthens families and contributes significantly to national development. She also called on families to play a more active role in raising and protecting children.
♦️Drug Task Force Establishes Five Rehabilitation Centres Nationwide
The Pillar Lead for Rehabilitation and Reintegration at the National Task Force on Drug and Substance Abuse (NaTFDSA), Ansumana Kanneh, disclosed that five rehabilitation centres have been established across the country over the past two years.
The centres are located in Hastings, Daru, Bo, Kono, and Makeni. According to Mr. Kanneh, approximately 784 individuals have undergone rehabilitation and reintegration programmes, with 88% male and 12% female beneficiaries.
He attributed the growing drug crisis largely to family breakdown, revealing that some cases involve parents directly engaging children in drug-related activities. Mr. Kanneh urged parents to take greater responsibility in protecting and guiding their children.
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