The Upper East Regional Mental Health Coordinator, Edem Quarshie Ameglah is challenging traditional leaders, religious leaders and opinion leaders to use their influence in society to join the fight against drug abuse in the Upper East Region.
Mr. Ameglah explained that the identified leaders could lead sensitisation activities within their communities. Additionally, traditional leaders could use their powers to limit or completely ban activities that lead to drug usage in their jurisdictions.
The Regional Mental Health focal person made these comments on A1 Radio’s Day Break Upper East Show on the occasion of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Trafficking.
“In our communities, we have reverence for our chiefs and opinion leaders so if they make some rules, and talk about the issues, it would help manage it,” he said.
Mr. Ameglah also warned against experimenting with drugs. He also called on the need for communal support to help deal with drug abuse in the communities.
“Let us invest in people. Let us think about people. The more we make investments in people, the better a society we have. Also, the better society we are making for the future. If we see anybody who is dependent on any substances, let us still show that person love.”
“Please, if you have not started using any substance, don’t even start because you cannot come out easily,” he said.
The International Day Against Drug Use provides a global forum for promoting prevention, treatment, and recovery initiatives while bringing attention to the risks of drug misuse. Every year on June 26th, governments, organisations, and communities from all around the world come together to commemorate this critical day and raise awareness of the terrible effects that drug addiction has on individuals, families, and society at large. It serves as a reminder of the pressing need to deal with the underlying causes of drug abuse, support individuals who are afflicted by addiction, and work towards eradicating the negative consequences of drugs from society. The International Day Against Drug Use works to build a common commitment to prevention and rehabilitation.
Source: A1radioonline.com|101.1MHz|Mark Kwasi Ahumah Smith|Ghana
