Freetown, September 10th 2025– Sierra Leone’s Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, has issued a clarion call for a community-driven approach to the country’s escalating drug crisis.
Speaking on Truth Media’s ‘Truth Morning Devotion,’ Bah out rightly rejected punitive-only strategies, emphasizing that the roots of substance abuse are deeply social and must be treated as such.
“We have a social crisis; we need a social solution. It is a community solution. We cannot solve the drug problem by arresting everyone.” He noted.
His remarks come amidst growing public concern over the proliferation of narcotics, which have become alarmingly accessible to Sierra Leone’s youth. Bah warned that the issue is not new, but part of a recurring pattern tied to shifting societal conditions and systemic vulnerabilities.
“We have had all kinds of drug problems. As societies move forward, there is always the emergence of social crises. Drug problems emerge based on the social conditions that exist and the opportunities people see to exploit.”
In a moment of personal reflection, Bah reiterated a story he had previously shared during one of the Ministry’s town hall meetings: his own son had come into contact with drugs while attending Bo School. Rather than shielding the incident, Bah said he took deliberate steps to involve the appropriate authorities and ensure the situation was responsibly addressed.
The narrative served as a powerful reminder that no family is immune and that transparency and accountability must begin at home.
The minister’s comments reflect a broader shift in government’s approach from criminalization to prevention and rehabilitation. He acknowledged that while law enforcement plays a role, it cannot be the sole response. Instead, the government is working to “address the opportunity problem” by disrupting the networks that prey on vulnerable youth, while simultaneously engaging communities to tackle the underlying social causes.
The Minister’s appeal underscores a growing recognition that Sierra Leone’s drug crisis is not merely a policing issue, but a public health and civic challenge.
While the nation continues to grapple with the long-term consequences of substance abuse, from mental health deterioration to rising crime, the Minister’s message is clear: the fight against drugs must begin at the heart of the community.
