By Abdul Rahman Bah
Hon. Hawa Conteh, Member of Parliament for Koinadugu District, has strongly criticized the government of Sierra Leone over its handling of the growing drug abuse crisis and the worsening economic conditions in the country.
Speaking at the Parliamentary Monthly Press Conference held at the All People’s Congress (APC) headquarters in Freetown, Conteh expressed deep concern over the increasing number of young people falling into drug addiction, which she attributed to poor governance, lack of economic opportunities, and high levels of unemployment. She argued that the government’s failure to create a conducive environment for youth development has left many young people disillusioned and desperate, leading them to turn to drugs as an escape from the harsh realities.
Hon. Conteh highlighted the devastating consequences of the drug crisis on education, mental health, and national security, stating that if immediate action is not taken, the situation could spiral out of control. She pointed out that the government’s response has been inadequate, lacking both urgency and a comprehensive strategy to combat the growing epidemic. The absence of well-equipped rehabilitation centers and a concrete national policy to address substance abuse, she argued, reflects the government’s negligence in safeguarding the future of Sierra Leone’s youths. She urged authorities to acknowledge the severity of the crisis and take immediate steps to establish rehabilitation programs, provide psychological support, and implement preventive measures to curb the spread of drug abuse among young people.
Beyond the drug crisis, Hon. Conteh also addressed the broader economic struggles facing the country, emphasizing that unemployment and financial instability are major factors contributing to the worsening social problems. She accused the government of failing to deliver on its promises of economic growth, job creation, and poverty alleviation. With rising inflation, lack of investment in key sectors, and an increasing cost of living, she argued that the government’s policies have done little to improve the lives of ordinary citizens. She noted that many young people, unable to find work, feel hopeless about their future, which in turn fuels social unrest and the ongoing drug crisis.
Hon. Conteh stressed that the government’s neglect has left a significant portion of the population vulnerable and without the necessary support systems to thrive. She called for a collective effort from all sectors, including political parties, religious organizations, and civil society groups, to come together and address these urgent challenges. While acknowledging that the fight against drug abuse and economic hardship should not rest solely on the shoulders of the government, she insisted that leadership must take responsibility for implementing inclusive policies that offer real opportunities for the youths. She advocated for increased investment in vocational training, job creation programs, and community-based initiatives to rehabilitate and empower affected individuals.
In her closing remarks, Hon. Conteh warned that the continued failure to address these issues will have long-term consequences for Sierra Leone’s development. She urged the government to shift its priorities towards tackling the root causes of social problems, including unemployment, poverty, and inadequate governance, rather than making empty promises. She reiterated that the youths of Sierra Leone are in desperate need of jobs, education, and proper support systems, and until these fundamental issues are addressed, the country will continue to struggle with rising drug abuse and economic instability.