The Assemblyman for the Tanzui/Zorbisi/Sokabisi Electoral Area in the Bolgatanga Municipality, Michael Ayine, has raised serious concerns about the growing abuse of illicit drugs in the Tanzui community, describing the area as the “headquarters of drugs” within the municipality.
Speaking to the media, the Assemblyman said the situation has deteriorated to the extent that young people across Bolgatanga now refer to Tanzui as “Tramadol Junction,” a label he described as worrying and unacceptable.
“In my community, it is always said that if you have a sore and you refuse to tell your mother or father, it will go a long way to affect you. So I will not shield my community,” he stated. “To use the perfect word, my community is one of the headquarters of drugs.”
He explained that drug users are seen openly in the area at all times of the day, stressing that the visibility of the activity shows how deeply rooted the problem has become.
“Morning, you see them, afternoon you see them, evening you see them—at any point in time. Even the youth in the municipality have decided to give my community a name, calling it Tramadol Junction, which is too bad,” he lamented.
According to Mr. Ayine, the effects of drug abuse go beyond users themselves, posing serious health risks to the wider community.
“We have studied that those who even inhale from unknown places get affected more than those who smoke it. It is affecting people in my community so much,” he said. “You see people developing cardiac diseases, and you don’t understand where it is coming from.”
He added that many residents who do not smoke, drink, or take drugs are experiencing unexplained health complications, which he attributes to prolonged exposure to drug use within the community.
“Some will say, ‘I don’t smoke, I don’t take illicit drugs, I don’t drink,’ so where is this coming from? It is coming from the disuse of those who are using it. And those that are using it must stop,” Mr. Ayine stressed.
The Assemblyman revealed that steps are already being taken to address the menace and expressed optimism that the situation will improve.
“I have taken a step in curbing this, and I am sure very soon my place will be free of drugs,” he assured.
The revelation has renewed calls for stronger community action, security intervention, and public education to combat drug abuse and protect the health and future of residents in the Bolgatanga Municipality.
Source: A1 Radio | 101.1 Mhz | Joshua Asaah | Bolgatanga
