Determined to curb the rising tide of drug abuse among young people in La, Naa Tsotsoo Dzata Hebulor I, the Abe Se La Adonten Manye, has launched a bold community-led campaign to educate and uplift the youth.
Under the banner “Say No to Drug Abuse,” the initiative brought together a cross-section of society—traditional leaders, clergy, youth groups, warriors, health advocates, and law enforcement—for a massive awareness walk through the principal streets of La.
The Queen Mother, who is also the founder of the Royal Roar Foundation, used the occasion to sound a clarion call for collective responsibility in safeguarding the next generation. “It’s heartbreaking to see our children lose their way to substances like tramadol, opium, and cannabis,” she said. “They are our future, yet many are dying slowly with no help in sight.”
She emphasized that the campaign is not a one-time gesture but a sustained effort to reclaim the youth and steer them toward education, entrepreneurship, and self-discipline. With plans to extend the outreach to neighboring communities such as Teshie and Nungua, Naa Tsotsoo Dzata Hebulor I underscored the urgency of community vigilance and support.
“This is not just a war on drugs—it is a fight for the soul of our community,” she declared.
Other leaders echoed her sentiments. Nii Martey Dzata Obrempong I, Teshie Obediben Mantse and Acting Atofoatse of Teshie Gbugblan Division, laid part of the blame on societal hypocrisy, stating that some elders and opinion leaders enable the problem. “Instead of empowering the youth with skills and education, we fuel chaos by giving them money for drugs to do our bidding,” he lamented.
DSP Samuel Awabil, La District Police Commander, lent his voice to the campaign, warning of the destructive impact of drug misuse. “The abuse of red [opium] is alarmingly common,” he said. “If the youth don’t take charge of their future, the consequences will be grave. The police cannot be everywhere; change must begin with individual choice.”
The initiative struck a powerful chord with many residents, rekindling the spirit of community action and moral accountability. With strong leadership from traditional and civic institutions, La is sending a clear message: the fight against drug abuse is everyone’s responsibility.
