Concerned stakeholders in Damongo, in the Savannah Region, have stepped up efforts to address the growing problem of illicit drug use among young people through a collaborative engagement aimed at finding lasting solutions.
The dialogue, organised by the Damongo Youth Hub in partnership with the Empowerment for Life Programme (E4L), brought together representatives from security agencies, religious and traditional leaders, parents, educators, health workers, youth groups and the media.
Officials from the Narcotics Control Commission also participated in the event, which focused on strengthening partnerships to curb the sale and misuse of illicit drugs in the municipality.
Speaking during the engagement, Abdulai Kudus, a member of the Damongo Youth Hub, described the increasing use of illegal substances as a major threat to the future of young people and the stability of the community.
He warned that the growing availability of illicit drugs could negatively affect the health, education and prospects of the youth if urgent action was not taken.
Mr Kudus called for intensified public education and awareness campaigns, the promotion of strong moral and family values, support for rehabilitation programmes and the creation of opportunities that would engage young people in productive activities.
Meanwhile, Abdulai Salam, Savannah Regional Coordinator of the E4L Programme, revealed that the Damongo Youth Hub had already developed a roadmap outlining strategies to address the growing challenge of drug misuse in the municipality.
He expressed optimism that the stakeholder engagement would generate practical recommendations, sustainable interventions and stronger partnerships to combat drug abuse and restore hope among residents.
The Empowerment for Life Programme aims to strengthen the role of civil society organisations in northern Ghana in promoting resilience, social equity and accountable governance.
The programme is being implemented in the Northern Region, North East Region, and Savannah Region by partner organisations including the Ghana Developing Communities Association, School for Life, Youth Empowerment for Life Ghana (YEFL-Ghana), and Changing Lives in Innovative Partnerships.
Funding support for the initiative is provided by Civil Society in Development, a Danish organisation, through Ghana Venskab.
