Hon. Hawa Conteh, Member of opposition APC in Parliament for Koinadugu District, strongly criticized the government for its negative handling of the growing drug abuse crisis and the worsening economic conditions in the country. Speaking at their Parliamentary monthly press conference held at their party headquarters in Freetown, Hon. Conteh attributed the rise in drug abuse to poor governance, lack of economic opportunities, and high levels of unemployment. She argued that many youths, facing difficult circumstances, have turned to drugs as an escape, which has led to detrimental effects on education, mental health, and national security.

She further criticized the government for failing to provide adequate rehabilitation centers or a strategic plan to address the drug crisis, referring to the current response as insufficient.

The MP emphasized that the government’s neglect of these issues has left many youths vulnerable, pointing to the inadequate infrastructure to address the escalating problem. She called for a collective effort from all sectors, including political parties, religious organizations, and civil society, to find a comprehensive solution. She also urged the government to implement inclusive policies that will rehabilitate and empower affected youths, stressing that the responsibility for tackling the issue cannot fall solely on the government.

In addition to the drug crisis, Hon. Conteh addressed the broader economic challenges facing the country, pointing out that the government’s failure to create job opportunities has exacerbated the situation. Her criticism was aimed at the government’s inability to fulfill promises made to the people, particularly those related to economic growth and poverty reduction. She concluded by stating that Sierra Leone’s youth are in desperate need of jobs and support, and that it is crucial for the government to shift its focus to addressing the root causes of social issues, including unemployment and inadequate governance.