By Hassan Osman Kargbo
The Minister of Social Welfare, Mrs. Melrose Karminty, has reaffirmed her ministry’s commitment to protecting Sierra Leone’s most vulnerable citizens while warning young people about the dangers of irregular migration and drug abuse. She was speaking in Makeni at a Civic Day event organized by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education.
Addressing a packed audience, Mrs. Karminty thanked her ministerial colleagues for their collaboration and emphasized that social welfare is not just a name but a mission. She explained that her ministry’s work centres on supporting women, the elderly, families, and persons with disabilities so they can live with dignity and resilience.
“We are committed to ensuring that every Sierra Leonean, regardless of their condition, is given the opportunity to live a meaningful and productive life,” she said.
The Minister highlighted ongoing partnerships between the government and development organizations aimed at strengthening certification and access for persons with disabilities, promoting inclusive education, and linking social protection to healthcare. She noted that these efforts are building human capital and helping marginalized groups to become independent and contribute to society.
Turning to the challenges facing Sierra Leone’s youth, Mrs. Karminty used the platform to issue a strong warning against irregular migration. She described it as a trap that has led many young people into hardship and exploitation abroad. According to her, the promises made by traffickers are often false and leave families devastated.
“Irregular migration may seem like an opportunity, but it often leads to pain, loss, and even death,” she cautioned.
The Minister also raised concern over the rise of drug abuse among young people, calling it a destructive habit that robs the country of its future leaders. She called for vigilance at the community level and appealed for closer coordination among ministries, including Education, Internal Affairs, Health, and law enforcement agencies, to prevent trafficking, rehabilitate victims, and combat drug-related problems.
Mrs. Karminty emphasized Sierra Leone’s long-standing values of religious tolerance and social cohesion, urging parents, teachers, and religious leaders to play an active role in guiding young people. She encouraged them to amplify prevention messages and direct youths toward legitimate opportunities available within the country.
Highlighting initiatives such as the government’s Free Quality Education program and vocational training opportunities, she stressed that young people must be supported to believe in local prospects rather than risk their lives chasing uncertain promises abroad.
“The government is creating opportunities here at home, and it is our duty to encourage the youth to take advantage of them,” she noted.
The Minister assured the audience that her ministry would continue to serve as a link between vulnerable citizens and essential services. She pledged that no one would be left behind as Sierra Leone works toward inclusive development.
The Civic Day event brought together government officials, civil society representatives, and community stakeholders, who all reaffirmed their commitment to building a united and resilient Sierra Leone.
