By Foday Moriba Conteh
In a continued demonstration of proactive leadership in the fight against drug abuse, the Minister of Youth Affairs, Ibrahim Sannoh, on Friday 25th July, 2025 brought his weekly youth engagement outreach to Waterloo, one of the epicenters of the destructive Kush crisis in Sierra Leone. The visit formed part of his broader nationwide campaign to rescue and rebuild the lives of young people entangled in substance abuse.
Unlike many official visits that end with speeches, the Minister came bearing tangible support. He donated essential items including first aid kits, bags of rice and financial assistance to affected families and youth groups. Speaking to a crowd of hopeful and recovering young people, he made it clear that the Government, through the Ministry of Youth Affairs, is deeply committed to creating a future that does not involve drugs.
“Your future is too bright to be dimmed by drugs,” he passionately told the gathering. “We are rolling out skills development training very soon and we want you to be among the first beneficiaries. We believe in your potential and we are here to walk this journey with you.”
What truly distinguished this visit was the Minister’s hands-on approach. Rather than just expressing concern, he took immediate action. Several young people critically affected by the Kush drug were identified and Minister Ibrahim Sannoh personally accompanied them to the Waterloo Government Hospital. He ensured they were admitted for medical care, pledging to cover the full cost of their treatment.
“We won’t abandon you to this crisis,” he assured his voice resolute. “Healing is the first step to a new beginning. This Government is not just enforcing laws we are building lives.”
The Minister’s visit struck a powerful emotional chord with the community. His ability to connect with youth not just as a politician but as a mentor and advocate was evident. He listened to their concerns, encouraged them to envision a life beyond addiction and pledged ongoing support through training programs aimed at fostering entrepreneurship, vocational skills and economic empowerment.
“This fight is not just against Kush; it’s a fight to restore lost dreams, rebuild broken communities and give our young people a second chance at life,” he emphasized.
Many in the community hailed the Minister’s intervention as a turning point. Local leaders and youth advocates expressed appreciation for the Ministry’s visible presence and practical actions noting that this level of engagement is what is truly needed to reverse the tide of addiction.
As the visit concluded, hope lingered in the air. The youths of Waterloo now look forward to the upcoming skills training opportunities with renewed optimism. For them and many others across the country, Minister Ibrahim Sannoh’s campaign against drug abuse is more than a policy; it’s a promise of redemption.
Through his #RescueAndRebuild initiative, Minister Ibrahim Sannoh continues to show that Sierra Leone’s fight against drugs isn’t just punitive it’s transformative, restorative and centered on giving young people the chance to dream again.
