By Daniel Donkor
The Bono Regional Directorate of the National Youth Authority (NYA) has issued a stark warning over the growing incidence of drug abuse among young people, describing the trend as a serious threat to Ghana’s future if urgent and sustained action is not taken.
The warning was delivered at Kwatire in the Sunyani West Municipality during a community clean-up exercise to launch this year’s Youth Month activities, held under the theme “A Clean Environment, A Healthy Community and a Better Tomorrow.”
Addressing residents, students, and local leaders, the Bono Regional Director of the NYA, Desmond Asaase, identified substance abuse as one of the most pressing challenges confronting Ghanaian youth, warning of its far-reaching social and health consequences.
“Drug abuse is increasingly becoming a major threat to our young people. If we fail to act now, we risk undermining the future of this country,” he cautioned.
Mr. Asaase disclosed that the Authority has initiated a sustained, region-wide sensitisation campaign aimed at educating young people on the dangers of substance abuse.
The campaign, he explained, will target churches, mosques, schools, workplaces, and communities across all districts in the Bono Region.
“We are taking this message to every corner of the region. Our aim is to empower young people to make informed choices and resist the pressures that lead to substance abuse,” he said.
He further underscored the severe health implications associated with drug misuse, pointing to a worrying rise in kidney and liver-related complications among young people.
“This is not only a social problem it is a growing public health concern. Young people must take responsibility for their future and serve as ambassadors against drug abuse,” Mr. Asaase stressed.
He also cautioned against the misuse of medication, urging that drugs should only be taken under proper medical supervision.
The clean-up exercise, organised in collaboration with the Sunyani West Municipal Assembly, brought together residents of Kwatire, traditional authorities, NYA officials, and students from Odumaseman Senior High School.
Participants desilted gutters, cleared overgrown bushes, and swept the streets, demonstrating a shared commitment to environmental sanitation and community well-being.
Mr. Asaase described the exercise as successful, commending the strong participation of community members and reaffirming the Authority’s commitment to deepening grassroots engagement across the region. He added that the NYA will collaborate with municipal authorities to ensure sustained sanitation enforcement.
Also addressing the gathering, the Sunyani West Municipal Chief Executive, Asante Boateng, pledged to improve infrastructure in the community, including the construction of a modern toilet facility and the rehabilitation of roads.
A waste container was also donated to the community to enhance waste management, with residents urged to maintain it properly.
The Bono Regional NYA’s dual focus on environmental cleanliness and youth health reflects a broader commitment to nurturing responsible, informed, and resilient young citizens capable of driving Ghana’s development forward.
