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   Sierra Leone's efforts to address substance abuse, particularly Kush among its youthful population, reached another milestone today, with a total of 1,071 young people rehabilitated since President Brig. (Rtd) Julius Maada Bio declared the country's kush drug crisis a public health emergency. The achievement was marked by the graduation of the eighth cohort of 94 rehabilitated youths from the Peace Mission Training Centre in Hastings, Freetown. The statistics were disclosed by the Minister of Social Welfare, Melrose Karminty, during the discharge ceremony. Joining her at the event were the Inspector General of Police, William Fayia Sellu; the ECOWAS Resident Representative to Sierra Leone, H.E. John Azumah; the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Sierra Leone, H.E. Saud Mushabbab Al-Musa'e; and the United Nations Resident Coordinator, Seraphine Wakana.Also in attendance were the Commandant of the Training Centre, Col. A.B. Keita; representatives of the National Task Force on Drugs and Substance Abuse; officials from the Ministry of Youth Affairs, the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, and the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education; as well as parents and well-wishers of the graduating class. Addressing the graduates, who were referred to as "Ambassadors of Peace," Minister Karminty emphasised that rapid advancements in innovation and technology, including artificial intelligence, are transforming the world at an unprecedented pace. She urged young people affected by substance abuse to seize available opportunities and ensure they are not left behind."The choices that you make today will determine your future," she said. The Minister reaffirmed her ministry's commitment to working closely with partners and government institutions to minimise relapse among rehabilitated youths. She also commended the graduates for the strong peer-support network they have established, particularly through a WhatsApp group that enables them to stay connected, encourage one another, and provide support whenever a member shows signs of relapse. Earlier, in his welcome address, Col. A.B. Keita recalled the condition in which many of the graduates arrived at the facility."When these young people were presented to us several weeks ago, many were facing significant challenges. Today, I am pleased to report that they have successfully completed the rehabilitation programme and are ready to begin a new chapter in their lives," he said.The Inspector General of Police, William Fayia Sellu, described substance abuse as a matter of serious concern for the Government and appealed to the graduates to remain committed to their recovery. "Please do not allow all the efforts that have been made to get you to where you are today to go in vain. Do not bring shame and disappointment to your parents anymore," he urged.Speaking on behalf of the National Task Force on Drugs and Substance Abuse, Patrick Lansana noted that the fight against kush extends beyond Sierra Leone and represents a broader regional challenge. He praised the Government's approach of prioritising rehabilitation over the criminalisation of drug users.H.E. John Azumah, underscored the regional dimension of the drug crisis, noting that kush and other harmful substances continue to threaten communities across West Africa."ECOWAS is deeply concerned about this challenge, and we will work shoulder to shoulder with the Ministry of Social Welfare to continue the fight against drugs and substance abuse," he said.H.E. Saud Mushabbab Al-Musa'e, described the ceremony as a transformative event and a clear demonstration of the Government's commitment to the welfare and well-being of its young people. As a gesture of encouragement and support, the Ambassador presented vouchers worth 300 New Leones to members of the graduating cohort, along with other items, in recognition of their determination and progress throughout the rehabilitation process.Promising to be an advocate for the newly rehabilitated youths, Madam Wakana commended the Government, under the leadership of the Ministry of Social Welfare and the Task Force, for its continued commitment to addressing what she described as "one of the most pressing social challenges facing the country today."She said the initiative reflects the Government's determination to invest in people, restore dignity, and create opportunities for a better future. Addressing the graduates, whom she described as "Ambassadors of Positive Change," Madam Wakana noted that choosing recovery requires courage and determination. "Your stories can inspire other young people who may be struggling with addiction, despair, or social exclusion," she said.As they return to their communities, Madam Wakana encouraged them to become advocates for healthy lifestyles, champions of mental well-being, and mentors to others seeking a path away from substance abuse.