The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Kassena-Nankana West, Stephen Aeke Akurugo, has expressed growing concern over what he describes as an alarming rise in illicit drug use among young people in the district.
He warned that substances such as Red 225, cannabis, and tramadol are increasingly being abused, posing a serious threat to youth development and the long-term socio-economic stability of the area.
Speaking at the first ordinary meeting of the District Assembly in his capacity as DISEC Chairman, Mr. Akurugo said the situation requires urgent and coordinated action from all stakeholders.
He acknowledged that institutions such as the Department of Social Welfare, the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), and civil society groups have been carrying out sensitisation programmes, but stressed that the scale of the problem demands more sustained and intensified interventions.
The DCE called for stronger collaboration among parents, traditional leaders, religious bodies, schools, and security agencies to help curb the spread of drug abuse in communities.
He emphasised that protecting young people from substance abuse is critical to safeguarding the district’s future human capital and development prospects.
Mr. Akurugo reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to maintaining peace, security, and social progress, urging collective responsibility in addressing emerging social challenges.
