By: Andrew Chokpeleh
Lawyer Ady Macauley, one of the flagbearer aspirants for the All People’s Congress (APC) Party, continued his humanitarian efforts and goodwill over the weekend at the National Rehabilitation Centre located at the Peace Mission Training Centre in Hastings. As a flagbearer aspirant, he believes that the fight against kush and other illicit substances is a national battle that everyone must take part in.
Macauley emphasized that one of the key ways to solve the problems the country is facing is to empower its young people, and one way to begin is by tackling anything that poses a threat to their social and mental wellbeing. Ady appreciated the efforts of the military personnel who have consistently served the people of Sierra Leone, especially during times of crisis. He noted that these men and women in uniform have always been at the forefront of ensuring the nation’s safety.
He explained that his donation over the weekend represents his personal contribution to the fight against kush and other drugs across the country. He added that drug abuse does not only affect the poor or uneducated, but impacts everyone and has numerous negative consequences for society and the nation at large. Ady stated that he does not view drug addiction as a criminal offense but rather sees those struggling with it as victims.
He pointed out that over 60% of Sierra Leone’s population is made up of young people, who are the most affected by drug abuse. If this issue is not properly addressed, he warned, the nation risks losing its most valuable human resource to drugs, a tragedy that would harm Sierra Leone’s future. Macauley urged everyone to avoid politicizing the fight against kush and other drugs, as doing so would only undermine national progress. He also encouraged young people not to use drugs as a means of escaping life’s challenges, explaining that this is often how addiction begins.
Ady revealed that he has been in communication with the Inspector General of the Sierra Leone Police to obtain clearance to embark on a nationwide tour and awareness march to educate the public on the dangers of substance abuse.
As part of his goodwill gesture, Ady donated 50 bags of 50kg rice, 5 containers of cooking oil, 5 bundles of clothes, 5 bags of onions, 10 cartons of sardines, and 200 bundles of water to the rehabilitation centre.
Colonel Abdul Baba Keita, the Commandant of the Peace Mission Training Centre, expressed deep appreciation for Ady Macauley’s goodwill and urged others to emulate his generosity. He mentioned that this donation comes at a crucial time when the government has intensified efforts to combat the drug menace in the country.
He added that the items donated would go a long way in supporting the young people at the centre and help them realize that there are still people who care about them. Colonel Keita commended Macauley’s decision to join the national fight against drugs, describing his philanthropic act as a major boost to the anti-drug campaign.
He encouraged Sierra Leoneans to remain resilient as they have always been during past crises such as the civil war, cholera outbreak, Ebola epidemic, mudslides, coronavirus, and monkeypox. He urged Ady to continue prioritizing the interests of the people above political considerations, as he has always done.
Mohamed Bah, a Social Worker from the Ministry of Social Welfare, expressed gratitude for the donation on behalf of the Ministry and the National Public Health Agency (NPHA). He emphasized that the fight against drugs is a national one and that everyone has a role to play in addressing this menace.
Bah commended Ady for joining the fight beyond party lines, describing his involvement as proof that drug abuse is a collective national concern. He assured Ady that the donated items would be used appropriately and added that the young people at the rehabilitation centre are going through a healing process that will soon end. When they return to their respective communities, he said, they will carry with them the spirit of this humanitarian gesture.
Thomas Raphael Ansumana Esq., a member at the rehabilitation centre, also expressed appreciation on behalf of his colleagues. He acknowledged that substance abuse has become a major problem in the country and that they value the support of people like Ady Macauley, who use their personal resources to assist those struggling with addiction. He noted that many people view drug users as criminals and avoid them, but Ady’s compassion shows otherwise.
Ansumana explained that there have been misconceptions about rehabilitation centres that patients are beaten, chained, or subjected to inhumane treatment, but those claims are false. He stressed that one of the most effective ways to win the fight against drug abuse is to cut off the supply chain that fuels access and availability of drugs. He concluded by assuring that the beneficiaries at the centre will reform and reintegrate into their communities as better individuals who will never go back to substance abuse.
