What are the opening hours?

Monday 08:30 - 16:45 Tuesday 08:30 - 16:45 Wednesday 08:30 - 16:45 Thursday 08:30 - 16:45 Friday 08:30 - 15:45

Ministry of Social Welfare Government of Sierra Leone, New England Ville, Freetown (2026)

30/08/2026

𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐟𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐌𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢-𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐈𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐥 𝐄𝐧𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭

𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐕𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞, 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐨𝐰𝐧 – 𝐀𝐮𝐠𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝟑𝟎, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

𝐌𝐫𝐬. 𝐌𝐞𝐥𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐊𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐲 - 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐟𝐚𝐫𝐞, has summoned a multi-stakeholder committee to address the land dispute at the Approved School Community, bringing together representatives from the Ministry, the Sierra Leone Police, the Law Officers' Department, and representatives from the to work collectively towards a lawful, peaceful, and sustainable resolution.

You would recall that in December 2025, the ministry, in collaboration with the UNDP in Sierra Leone, engaged the Approved School Community in mediation talks over the ongoing land dispute with Lifeline Nehemiah Projects. The meeting brought together senior stakeholders, community leaders, youth representatives, and security authorities to seek a peaceful and lawful resolution. During those discussions, community elder Alieu Mammy Mansaray expressed deep concern about persistent attempts by external actors to encroach on land historically owned and used by the Ministry of Social Welfare. The UNDP representative underscored the agency's commitment to transparency, inclusive dialogue, and ethical decision-making throughout the mediation process.

Speaking at the recently held multi-stakeholder committee meeting, Minister Karminty reaffirmed her firm and responsible position to protect the Ministry-owned land from illegal encroachment, declaring that this valuable public asset is not meant for private interests but for the advancement of social welfare services and the wellbeing of vulnerable people across Sierra Leone.

The Minister emphasised that the land holds enormous potential for developing essential facilities including homes for older persons, orphanages, rehabilitation centres, facilities for persons with disabilities, and other social protection programmes that can provide care, dignity, and hope to people who need government support most.

"The protection of state property requires unity, professionalism, transparency, and respect for due process," Minister Karminty stated. "No single institution can successfully achieve such an important responsibility in isolation."

She emphasised that any claim over government land must be supported by legitimate documentation and processed through the appropriate legal and administrative channels, while the interests of the community and the wider public must also be carefully considered.

"I am determined to ensure that this land is protected and ultimately utilised for the purpose for which it was entrusted to the Ministry," the Minister declared. "Every vulnerable child, older person, person with disability, and other citizen in need of social protection deserves a place where care, dignity, and opportunity can be provided."

𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚 𝐢𝐧𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬, 𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐭:
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭
| 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦.𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐫.𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐰@𝐦𝐨𝐢𝐜.𝐠𝐨𝐯.𝐬𝐥

30/08/2026

𝟗𝟒 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐃𝐫𝐮𝐠 𝐑𝐞𝐡𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐦𝐞 𝐚𝐬 '𝐀𝐦𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞'

𝐅𝐑𝐄𝐄𝐓𝐎𝐖𝐍, 𝐒𝐢𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐚 𝐋𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝟑𝟎𝐭𝐡-𝟎𝟖-𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

Ninety-four young people, including nine women, have graduated from the eighth batch of Sierra Leone's drug and substance abuse rehabilitation programme, emerging as "Ambassadors of Positive Change" following months of treatment, counselling, and rehabilitation.

You would recall that on July 6, 2026, the Ministry of Social Welfare Government of Sierra Leone admitted 105 drug and substance abuse users into the eighth batch of its rehabilitation programme at the PMTC Training Centre in Hastings. The admission formed part of the Government's ongoing efforts to support individuals affected by drug and substance abuse through treatment, counselling, and , while preparing them for successful into their families and communities.

The graduation ceremony, held on Friday at the Hastings Peacekeeping Training Centre Rehabilitation Centre, brought together government officials, senior police leadership, representatives of the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas - Cedeao), the Ambassador of to , and United Nations Resident Coordinator Seraphine Wakana. The ceremony underscored the importance of sustained family and community support in helping rehabilitated young people maintain their recovery and successfully reintegrate into society.

Speaking at the ceremony, 𝐌𝐫𝐬. 𝐌𝐞𝐥𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐊𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐲 - 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐟𝐚𝐫𝐞 commended His Excellency Julius Maada Bio for maintaining political will and providing resources to support rehabilitation services across the country. Minister Karminty emphasized that young people remain vital to Sierra Leone's national development and urged parents and guardians to provide positive support as the graduates return to their communities. She cautioned families against constantly reminding rehabilitated young people of their past, stressing instead the need to recognize their progress, encourage them, and help them build positive and productive futures.

The graduation of the 94 beneficiaries marks the successful completion of the eighth rehabilitation batch and represents another step in Sierra Leone's broader efforts to address drug and substance abuse while promoting recovery, dignity, and social reintegration. The graduates are now expected to return to their communities as "Ambassadors of Positive Change," contributing to efforts to discourage substance abuse and inspire other young people to pursue healthier and more productive lives.

06/07/2026

𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐟𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐀𝐝𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐄𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐡 𝐁𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐨𝐟 𝟏𝟎𝟓 𝐃𝐫𝐮𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐮𝐛𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐀𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐔𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐬 (𝐊𝐔𝐒𝐇)

𝐏𝐌𝐓𝐂 𝟔𝐭𝐡 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

The admission ceremony for the eighth batch of drug and substance abuse users was held at the PMTC Training Centre in Hastings.

Speaking at the event, Deputy Director of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support, Mr. Gbangay, said the programme reaffirms the government’s commitment to supporting individuals affected by drug abuse through treatment, counselling, and rehabilitation. He noted that the initiative, implemented with development partners, aims to help beneficiaries rebuild their lives and reintegrate into society.

Mr. Gbangay urged the new intake to fully engage in the programme and embrace the opportunity for change. He stressed the values of unity, discipline, and cooperation, and assured participants of continued support from the Ministry and its partners. He also called on communities to sustain efforts in the fight against drug and substance abuse nationwide.

Military Coordinator, Colonel Jones, encouraged beneficiaries to commit to discipline and positive transformation. He described the centre as a safe space for recovery, offering care, counselling, and guidance. He reminded service users to see themselves as one family, respect centre rules, and avoid relapse after graduation, warning that a return to drug use would undo progress and harm families and communities. He urged honesty and focus throughout the process.

In an emotional address, former drug victim and now anti-drug ambassador, Rehinatu Sese, advised young people to resist peer pressure and difficult life circumstances. She affirmed that everyone has the right to shape their own future. Acknowledging the trauma and hardship many face, she said these challenges should not lead to substance abuse. She called on parents and communities to offer guidance and open communication, and highlighted the destructive effects of addiction on health, relationships, and opportunities. Encouraging those struggling to seek help, she stated that recovery is achievable through determination, community support, and faith. She concluded by appealing for collective action to protect the next generation and inspire youth toward education, discipline, and productive living.

𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚 𝐢𝐧𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬, 𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐭:
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭
📞 +𝟐𝟑𝟐 𝟕𝟐 𝟓𝟑𝟕 𝟎𝟑𝟓 | 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦.𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐫.𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐰@𝐦𝐨𝐢𝐜.𝐠𝐨𝐯.𝐬𝐥

12/06/2026

𝐒𝐢𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐚 𝐋𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐔𝐍 𝐂𝐎𝐒𝐏 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐔𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐢𝐥𝐬 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐕𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐠𝐞, 𝐃𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐚 𝐒𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭

𝐌𝐎𝐒𝐖 𝟏𝟐-𝟎𝟔-𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

𝐌𝐫𝐬. 𝐌𝐞𝐥𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐊𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐲 - 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐟𝐚𝐫𝐞 presented the country's official report to the United Nations Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities ( ), announcing the construction of a specially built village for 60 households headed by persons with disabilities.

Mrs. Karminty confirmed that two skills training centres have also been refurbished and equipped for persons with disabilities with support from the UN Indian Fund.

In her presentation of the country report, the Minister reaffirmed the Persons with Disability Act of 2011 as the cornerstone of disability rights protection in Sierra Leone. She stated that the Act prohibits discrimination and promotes equal opportunities in , , , , political participation, sports, and community life. She also noted that the Act led to the creation of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, which coordinates and advocates for the rights of persons with disabilities across the country.

The Minister expressed appreciation for the support of the Partnership on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Fund, which has helped strengthen institutional capacity, improve coordination among stakeholders, and increase meaningful participation of persons with disabilities in governance and public policy.

Recognising that poverty disproportionately affects persons with disabilities, Mrs. Karminty reported that the Government has strengthened disability-inclusive social protection systems. She highlighted that cash transfer programmes supported by the World Bank continue to assist vulnerable households, including those headed by or containing persons with disabilities.

On regional cooperation, the Minister announced that Sierra Leone is working closely with Ecowas - Cedeao to develop a Disability Accountability Framework aimed at harmonising disability rights monitoring across West Africa. She explained that the Framework is expected to improve data collection, strengthen accountability, support evidence-based policymaking, and facilitate sharing of best practices.

To address the long-standing challenge of limited reliable data, Mrs. Karminty revealed that Sierra Leone is collaborating with the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine to develop a Disability Management Information System. Once operational, she said, this centralised platform will collect and analyse disability-related data across sectors, ensuring persons with disabilities are accurately represented in national statistics and development planning.

The Minister acknowledged that challenges remain, including accessibility barriers, gaps in employment opportunities, limited resources for disability-inclusive programming, and the need for continued public awareness and attitudinal change.

She called on the international community, development partners, regional organisations, and fellow States Parties to deepen collaboration and increase investment in disability-inclusive development.

Mrs. Karminty closed the country report by reaffirming Sierra Leone's commitment to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and to the principle of "Nothing About Us Without Us," pledging to build an inclusive society where every person with a disability can live with dignity, participate fully, and contribute meaningfully to national development.

𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚 𝐢𝐧𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬, 𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐭:
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭
📞 +𝟐𝟑𝟐 𝟕𝟐 𝟓𝟑𝟕 𝟎𝟑𝟓 | 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦.𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐫.𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐰@𝐦𝐨𝐢𝐜.𝐠𝐨𝐯.𝐬𝐥

12/06/2026

𝐒𝐢𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐚 𝐋𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐞'𝐬 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐟𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐚𝐭 𝐔𝐍, 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧.

𝐌𝐎𝐒𝐖 𝟏𝟐-𝟎𝟔-𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

𝐌𝐫𝐬. 𝐌𝐞𝐥𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐊𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐲 - 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐟𝐚𝐫𝐞, has told the United Nations that does not diminish capability, as she announced a major review of the country's disability law and called for real action on jobs and livelihoods.

Speaking at a side event on "Employment and Livelihood for Persons with Disabilities in " held during the disability rights conference at Headquarters in , Minister Karminty said that employment and livelihood are not just economic issues. They are the foundation of independent living and true social inclusion.

When people with disabilities have access to decent work, she explained, they can offer their talents, support their families, and take part fully in both economic and community life. She made it clear that inclusive employment is not only a human rights issue but also an economic necessity.

She noted that across many parts of the world, persons with disabilities still face barriers that block their path to education, skills training, financial services, business opportunities, and jobs. These barriers, she said, are a major driver of poverty and exclusion.

"We recognize that disability does not diminish capability," the Minister said. "Persons with disabilities are productive citizens whose contributions are essential to national development. Our responsibility as a Government is to create an enabling environment where those contributions can flourish."

On a positive note, she announced that Sierra Leone is currently reviewing its Persons with Disabilities Act of 2011. The updated legislation will strengthen protections in employment, economic empowerment, accessibility, political participation, and inclusive budgeting.

Minister Karminty also highlighted practical work already underway through her Ministry and the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities. She pointed to vocational training, livelihood support, community-based empowerment programs, and advocacy efforts, all aimed at building resilience, fostering independence, and improving lives.

She lamented that unemployment, discrimination, workplaces that remain inaccessible, and very limited access to financial resources are still harsh realities for many. These challenges, she said, will demand creative solutions, stronger partnerships, and steady investment.

She warned that when societies shut persons with disabilities out of employment and livelihoods, they lose valuable talent, creativity, and productivity.

The Minister called for a united effort bringing together governments, development partners, the private sector, financial institutions, and organizations of persons with disabilities. She urged them to invest in skills development, accessible workplaces, entrepreneurship support, digital inclusion, assistive technologies, and stronger social protection systems.

The Minister stressed that persons with disabilities must be active participants, not just spectators in the design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of every policy and program that affects their lives.

"This side event is not merely about jobs," the Minister continued. "It is about dignity. It is about opportunity. It is about ensuring that persons with disabilities are empowered to live independently and contribute meaningfully to their communities and nations."

She concluded by reaffirming her Government's commitment to building a Sierra Leone where no person is left behind, and where every person with disability has a fair chance to reach their full potential.

#𝐂𝐎𝐒𝐏𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚 𝐢𝐧𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬, 𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐭:
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭
📞 +𝟐𝟑𝟐 𝟕𝟐 𝟓𝟑𝟕 𝟎𝟑𝟓 | 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦.𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐫.𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐰@𝐦𝐨𝐢𝐜.𝐠𝐨𝐯.𝐬𝐥

04/06/2026

𝐌𝐎𝐒𝐖, 𝐄𝐂𝐒𝐋, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐥𝐞𝐝𝐠𝐞 𝐇𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐜 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟖 𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬

𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐕𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞, 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐨𝐰𝐧 – 𝟑𝐫𝐝 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

The Ministry of Social Welfare (MOSW), in collaboration with the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL) and the Commission for Persons with Disability, held a landmark meeting to discuss greater inclusion of persons with disabilities in Sierra Leone’s electoral and governance processes.

Welcoming the ECSL delegation, Minister of Social Welfare Mrs. Melrose Karminty highlighted the Ministry’s mandate to support vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities, trafficking victims, returning migrants, and individuals affected by drug and substance abuse. She noted that the Ministry now oversees three key agencies: the Commission for Persons with Disability, the Anti-Human Trafficking Agency, and the newly approved Social Work Regulatory Council.

The Minister praised the visit as an important step toward strengthening collaboration on disability inclusion before, during, and after elections. She emphasized that Sierra Leone has made significant progress in disability rights through legislation, government policies, and programmes, and stressed the need to mainstream disability issues across all aspects of governance and electioneering.

Mrs. Karminty commended the ECSL leadership for its commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind in the democratic process and expressed confidence that the concerns of persons with disabilities would remain a priority in the Commission’s work.

Speaking at the event, ECSL Chairman and Chief Electoral Commissioner Edmond S. Alpha described the meeting as historic, noting that while the Commission has worked with disability stakeholders for more than 15 years, this was the first engagement of its kind. He highlighted the Commission's progress from establishing a disability desk to creating a full Department of Inclusion and reaffirmed the ECSL's commitment to deepening its partnership with the Ministry of Social Welfare and the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities.

Mr. Alpha pledged to strengthen the recruitment, training, and participation of persons with disabilities in electoral activities and to ensure their representation at both national and international electoral forums. Chairman Alpha also unveiled a series of commitments aimed at making the 2028 elections more accessible and inclusive. These include conducting accessibility audits of polling stations, improving voting facilities with ramps and accessible booths, expanding assistive voting tools such as tactile ballot guides and Braille materials, and ensuring voter education campaigns are available in accessible formats.

He announced mandatory disability-awareness training for election officials, greater involvement of persons with disabilities as trainers and election workers, and the establishment of a rapid-response mechanism to address accessibility challenges on election day. Emphasizing that voting is a fundamental right, not a privilege, he called for accountability and collaboration, promising that the ECSL would work closely with disability stakeholders to ensure that every citizen can participate in elections freely, independently, and with dignity.

In conclusion, the Chairperson of the National Commission for Persons with Disability (NCPD), Commissioner Brima Sheriff, presented a position paper on behalf of the Commission to the Chairman and Chief Electoral Commissioner.

𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚 𝐢𝐧𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬, 𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐭:
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭
📞 +𝟐𝟑𝟐 𝟕𝟐 𝟓𝟑𝟕 𝟎𝟑𝟓 | 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦.𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐫.𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐰@𝐦𝐨𝐢𝐜.𝐠𝐨𝐯.𝐬𝐥

03/06/2026

𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐟𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐑𝐀𝐂 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐒𝐢𝐠𝐧 𝐌𝐎𝐔

𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐕𝐢𝐥𝐥e - 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝟑𝐫𝐝, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is aimed at strengthening collaboration in delivering social protection and welfare services to vulnerable populations across Sierra Leone.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, the Honourable Minister of Social Welfare, Mrs. Melrose Karminty, described the partnership as a significant milestone in advancing support for disadvantaged communities and promoting social inclusion nationwide.

She emphasised that no single institution can effectively address the growing social challenges confronting the country, stressing that collaboration among service delivery institutions is essential to achieving sustainable impact.

The Minister highlighted the Ministry’s broad mandate, which includes supporting children, youth, persons with disabilities, older persons, migrants, deportees, trafficking survivors, and families facing difficult circumstances through its various directorates and affiliated agencies. She noted that the Ministry’s mission closely aligns with BRAC International’s commitment to poverty reduction, social justice, and the empowerment of marginalised groups.

Acknowledging the challenges posed by increasing poverty and limited resources, Mrs. Karminty underscored the importance of partnerships with organisations such as BRAC International in expanding access to critical services and improving the well-being of vulnerable citizens. She further stated that the MOU will provide a framework for enhanced cooperation, joint interventions, and coordinated efforts to promote dignity, resilience, and sustainable community development.

In his remarks, BRAC International Country Director, Mr. Adolphus Doe, commended the Ministry of Social Welfare for its leadership and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of disadvantaged communities throughout Sierra Leone. He noted that the partnership reflects a shared vision of fostering inclusion, strengthening resilience, and creating lasting opportunities for vulnerable populations.

Mr. Doe further observed that the signing of the MOU comes at a time when Sierra Leone continues to gain international recognition for its dedication to social progress and humanitarian advancement. He referenced the recent participation of Her Excellency Dr. Fatima Maada Bio at the prestigious HEROES Awards 2026 in Banjul, The Gambia, an event that celebrates exceptional leadership, service, and achievements driving positive transformation across Africa.

According to Mr. Doe, the First Lady’s presence at the continental gathering highlights Sierra Leone’s growing influence and commitment to championing causes that uplift communities and promote human development. He also acknowledged the warm reception accorded to Her Excellency upon her arrival in The Gambia, describing it as a reflection of the strong bonds of friendship, cooperation, and solidarity that continue to unite African nations in their pursuit of shared progress and development.

𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚 𝐢𝐧𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬, 𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐭:
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭
📞 +𝟐𝟑𝟐 𝟕𝟐 𝟓𝟑𝟕 𝟎𝟑𝟓 | 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦.𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐫.𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐰@𝐦𝐨𝐢𝐜.𝐠𝐨𝐯.𝐬𝐥

20/05/2026

𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐟𝐚𝐫𝐞, 𝐓𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐎𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐌𝐃𝐀𝐬, 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐅𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

𝐅𝐑𝐄𝐄𝐓𝐎𝐖𝐍 – 𝟏𝟗𝐭𝐡 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

The Ministry of Social Welfare, together with other Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), celebrated the International Family Day Conference 2026 on 18th May at the Miatta Conference Civic Center, under the theme: "Families, Inequalities and Child Wellbeing." The central message of the event was clear: A stronger nation starts with strong families.

In her welcome address, the Minister of Social Welfare, Mrs. Melrose Karminty, emphasized that strong families are the foundation of a stable and progressive nation. She warned that the breakdown of family values, communication, and relationships contributes to growing social problems such as violence, drug abuse, and juvenile crime. The Minister noted that while attention is often focused separately on women and children, insufficient emphasis has been placed on strengthening both nuclear and extended families as a whole. She stressed that children’s behavior and values are shaped largely at home, and that exposure to violence, abusive language, and conflict within families often affects their conduct in schools and society. She called for renewed efforts from government institutions, civil society groups, NGOs, international partners, and communities to work together in restoring respect, unity, and healthy family relationships to support national development and human capital growth.

The United Nations Resident Coordinator in Sierra Leone praised the Government of Sierra Leone, particularly the Ministry of Social Welfare and its partner MDAs, for organizing the national observance focused on the importance of families in building peaceful, resilient, and prosperous societies. She noted that while challenges such as poverty, inequality, domestic violence, unemployment, and economic pressures persist, Sierra Leonean families have remained resilient through the civil war, the Ebola epidemic, and ongoing global hardships. She reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to supporting family-centered policies through investments in healthcare, education, child protection, gender equality, and youth empowerment.

The Chief Minister of Sierra Leone, Dr. Moinina David Sengeh, stressed the government’s commitment to strengthening families, improving child welfare, and advancing human capital development. He highlighted initiatives such as the Free Quality School Education programme, stronger child rights laws, expanded legal aid, and increased mental health and parenting support. He strongly criticized corporal punishment and urged society to distinguish poverty-related struggles from indiscipline. Sengeh also pointed to progress in reducing maternal and child mortality, increasing school enrollment, and expanding access to higher education, and called on all stakeholders, including MDAs to work together to protect and empower children.

Delivering the keynote address, the First Lady of Sierra Leone, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, stressed that families remain the foundation of society and the primary source of values, discipline, and responsibility for children. Reflecting on the country’s resilience through the civil war, Ebola, COVID-19, and the global economic crisis, she praised families for remaining united and supportive. The First Lady commended the government of President Julius Maada Bio for prioritizing human capital development, describing the Free Quality Education Programme as a landmark achievement that expands access for vulnerable children, especially girls, while helping to reduce poverty and inequality. Calling for collective action from parents, teachers, religious leaders, the private sector, and development partners, she expressed confidence that Sierra Leone is moving toward a more inclusive and prosperous future built on education, healthcare, social justice, and national unity.

𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚 𝐢𝐧𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬, 𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐭:
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭
📞 +𝟐𝟑𝟐 𝟕𝟐 𝟓𝟑𝟕 𝟎𝟑𝟓 | 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦.𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐫.𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐰@𝐦𝐨𝐢𝐜.𝐠𝐨𝐯.𝐬𝐥

18/05/2026

‼️ 𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐍𝐨𝐰‼️

The Ministry of Social Welfare Government of Sierra Leone celebrates with a Grand Celebration at the Miatta Conference Civic Center. The Theme: "Families, Inequalities and Child Wellbeing."

A stronger nation starts with strong families.

𝐌𝐫𝐬. 𝐌𝐞𝐥𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐊𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐲 - 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐟𝐚𝐫𝐞

17/05/2026

,*"Strong Families, Strong Commmunities better Sierra Leone" A national call from the Minister of Social Welfare.*

Aberdeen Roundabout to
SOS School Compound.
16th May, 2026

Ministry of Social Welfare, in collaboration with the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, and other line ministries and partners, gather families in Freetown in a Family Health Walk ahead of the first ever International Family Day Confrence in Sierra Leone.
For the first time since the United Nations declared the observance in 1993, the country officially commemorated the day with a remarkable display of unity and public participation.

Families from across Freetown gathered in large numbers for a Family Health Walk from Aberdeen Roundabout to the SOS Hermann Gmeiner International School, creating an atmosphere filled with joy, reflection, and togetherness. The event highlighted the importance of strengthening family bonds, encouraging healthier communities, and promoting meaningful conversations within homes across the nation.

Leading the walk were the Honourable Minister of Social Welfare, Mrs Melrose Karminty, alongside cabinet ministers and government officials who walked shoulder-to-shoulder with citizens in support of family cohesion, child wellbeing, and social harmony. At the close of the event, participants signed a symbolic Commitment Wall, pledging to take personal action against child marriage, domestic violence, and other harmful practices affecting children and families.

Addressing the gathering on behalf of the Government of Sierra Leone and His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio, the Honourable Minister thanked citizens for their overwhelming participation and emphasised the importance of intentional parenting and active family engagement. Reaffirming her commitment as a proud mother raising her son to respect women, she called on every Sierra Leonean to nurture strong households, protect children, and uphold family values, stressing that a stronger nation begins at home.

𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚 𝐢𝐧𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬, 𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐭:
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭
📞 +𝟐𝟑𝟐 𝟕𝟐 𝟓𝟑𝟕 𝟎𝟑𝟓 | 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦.𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐫.𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐰@𝐦𝐨𝐢𝐜.𝐠𝐨𝐯.𝐬𝐥

Ministry of Social Welfare Government of Sierra Leone

30/08/2026

30/08/2026

06/07/2026

12/06/2026

12/06/2026

04/06/2026

03/06/2026

20/05/2026

18/05/2026

17/05/2026

Address

Opening Hours

Telephone

Website

Alerts

Shortcuts

Share

Category

Listing takedown request

Monday	08:30 - 16:45
Tuesday	08:30 - 16:45
Wednesday	08:30 - 16:45
Thursday	08:30 - 16:45
Friday	08:30 - 15:45