The Member of Parliament for Binduri, Hon. Issifu Mahmoud, Esq., has issued a passionate appeal to all Ghanaians to unite in a concerted effort to tackle the escalating crisis of drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking that is plaguing communities nationwide.
Speaking on Thursday in commemoration of the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Hon. Mahmoud described the impact of drug abuse as a ‘persistent, devastating, and corrosive’ threat to the nation’s youth and its future. He stressed the urgency of collective action to safeguard the country’s future from this dangerous trend.
Hon. Mahmoud stressed the alarming rise in drug abuse across Ghana and the African continent, emphasising its destructive impact on families, its role in fueling criminal activities, its undermining of peace and security, and the significant strain it places on the nation’s healthcare system and overall economy.
Also Read: ‘Red means stop’: Adansi-Asokwa MP Godwin Animli warns of silent epidemic of opioid abuse in Ghana
Hon. Mahmoud stated, “This battle against the drug menace cannot be fought by the government alone. It demands the unwavering commitment of families, religious bodies, civil society organisations, the media, and every single Ghanaian. Our approach must extend beyond legislation and law enforcement to address the fundamental issues such as poverty, unemployment, trauma, and the lack of opportunities that drive individuals towards drug abuse.”
The MP, who had earlier made a statement on the floor of Parliament on the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, underscored the relevance of this year’s theme: ‘The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention’.
He noted that it serves as a crucial call to action in the face of increasing addiction rates, the proliferation of hard and synthetic drugs, and the exploitation of young people by trafficking networks, both local and international.
Hon. Mahmoud lauded the renewed focus under President John Dramani Mahama’s administration, which he stated has made significant investments in youth empowerment and preventative measures.
“The government’s ‘Reset Agenda’ is not merely a slogan; it represents a comprehensive strategy to combat this issue. Through enhanced collaboration among government agencies and youth-focused initiatives like Adwumawura, the One-Million Coders Program, and the Youth Apprenticeship Program, we are actively channelling the energies of our youth into constructive and rewarding paths,” he explained.
He also commended the emergence of grassroots initiatives, particularly a youth-led anti-drug movement in Nima, and advocated for state support and oversight to ensure the sustainability and legality of such efforts.
In a heartfelt plea to his fellow legislators and the general public, Hon. Mahmoud called out for the day to serve as a moment to reflect on the profound damage that drug abuse inflicts on our youth.
“Let us all declare: NO to Drugs, NO to Trafficking, and YES to the LIFE, the HEALTH, and the DIGNITY of our young people,” he appealed.
By Osumanu Al-Hassan/thenewsbulletin24.com