Minister Karminty Declares War on Kush, Vows Protection for Vulnerable Groups
By Mo Hamad Kargbo
The Minister of Social Welfare, Melrose Karminty, has issued a bold declaration against the growing menace of drug abuse, particularly the deadly substance kush, calling it a national threat that must be confronted with urgency.
Speaking on Tuesday, 16th September 2025, at the Civic Day event hosted at the University of Makeni (UNIMAK) auditorium, the Minister outlined her ministry’s broad mandate and ongoing initiatives aimed at safeguarding Sierra Leone’s most vulnerable groups.
She reminded the gathering that the ministry was once combined with Gender and Children’s Affairs but was later split by President Julius Maada Bio to ease the workload and allow more targeted interventions. Now, she said, the Ministry of Social Welfare acts as “the mother of everyone,” serving women, the elderly, families, persons with disabilities, youths, and victims of trafficking and irregular migration.
On the subject of migration and trafficking, Minister Karminty cautioned young people against being deceived by false promises of jobs abroad. “If we build Sierra Leone for the better, we will all enjoy it here. Many foreigners come and don’t want to leave because Sierra Leone is peaceful, hospitable, and beautiful,” she stressed. She further explained that irregular migration often results in exploitation, suffering, or even death, adding that her ministry is actively working with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to repatriate victims. “If God says you will travel, you will travel. But going illegally and perishing abroad is not worth it,” she warned.
Highlighting Sierra Leone’s tough stance on human trafficking, she said existing laws prescribe severe penalties, including life imprisonment, for offenders.
Turning to other priorities, Minister Karminty discussed efforts to support the elderly, enhance inclusivity for persons with disabilities, and strengthen cross-ministerial collaboration. She disclosed that, in partnership with UNICEF and Columbia University, her ministry is working to introduce a certification system to help persons with disabilities easily access services. She also revealed that the Disability Act is currently under review to integrate new recommendations, including stronger parliamentary and ministerial representation for persons with disabilities.
“Disability is not inability. Many persons with disabilities are more capable than the able-bodied,” she affirmed, citing Makeni’s POPEDA organization as a success story. With recent UNDP support, POPEDA has received modern equipment and rehabilitation facilities to promote skills training and self-reliance. She emphasized the government’s long-term goal of ending street begging by empowering persons with disabilities through initiatives such as the India Fund.
The Minister was most passionate when addressing drug and substance abuse, particularly the widespread use of kush. She described the drug as “deadly” and destructive to the future of Sierra Leone’s youth. According to her, the government has adopted a multi-sectoral approach:
The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Sierra Leone Police are tasked with cracking down on traffickers and dealers.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency enforces anti-drug regulations.
The Ministry of Information drives awareness campaigns to educate the public.
The Ministry of Social Welfare focuses on rehabilitation and reintegration of victims.
She revealed that new rehabilitation centers have been opened in Freetown, and over 400 young people including university students
have already received treatment.
With a firm voice, she concluded: “No more kush. We cannot afford to lose our future leaders to drugs.”
