By Jones Anlimah
The Paramount Chief of the Penyi Traditional Area in the Ketu North Municipality of the Volta Region, Torgbiga Dadzi, has expressed concern over what he describes as a disturbing rise in drug use, particularly the smoking of marijuana, among the youth in his traditional area.
According to Torgbiga Dadzi, the increasing prevalence of weed smoking among young people, both male and female, is contributing to a growing number of mental health issues in the community. He noted that the trend has become widespread and alarming.
“Some little crimes that our youth are committing lately are becoming quite alarming, with weed smoking being the most prominent among them. In almost every corner, you find them smoking weed. Sadly, it is having a negative impact on them, but they either don’t realise it or simply don’t care,” he said.
He made these remarks when the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of Ketu North, Rev. Prince Martin Kwabla Amenaki, paid a courtesy call on him as part of efforts to introduce himself and engage traditional authorities on developmental issues in the municipality.
Torgbiga noted that the effects of this drug use are evident in the rising number of mentally challenged individuals in the area. “We’re witnessing a rise in the number of mentally challenged individuals as a result of this practice, yet the youth remain indifferent. From the very young to the middle-aged, many are caught up in it,” he lamented.
He used the occasion to call on the MCE, who also chairs the Municipal Security Council (MUSEC), to intensify collaboration with key stakeholders to address the issue. “So we are pleading with him to work closely with the appropriate stakeholders to help minimise this behaviour among the youth. We must act now so that our future leaders are not lost but remain to contribute to the development of our communities,” he emphasised.
Responding to the chief’s concerns, Rev. Amenaki acknowledged the growing threat of drug abuse in communities and affirmed his commitment to tackling it head-on. “If you follow the news these days, you’ll realise that drug abuse has become a major bane in our society. A new drug called RED has recently emerged, and many of our youth are abusing it across various communities,” he said.
“This issue has escalated to the national level, prompting the youth department to launch a campaign tackling drug abuse from one community to another. For the sake of our people’s future, I believe it is absolutely necessary for us to come together, organise ourselves, and take a strong stand against this growing menace of drug abuse.”
Rev. Amenaki revealed that he would introduce an initiative aimed at organising community engagement meetings to educate young people on the dangers of drug use. “This initiative will be critical, and I am committed to supporting it for the well-being of our young people and the development of our community,” he stated.
The meeting formed part of the MCE’s ongoing community engagement tour aimed at strengthening local governance and promoting collaboration between the assembly and traditional authorities.
One Response
That’s true, there must do something about this.