By Issah Mohammed
Accra, Oct. 1, GNA – The fight against illicit and restricted drugs in local communities received a boost with the inauguration of the Sabon Zongo Neighborhood Watch Committee of “Zongo Against Drugs and for Development” in Accra.
Mr Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi, the Deputy Minister for the Interior, inaugurated the community-led initiative to empower members of the zongo community in the Ablekuma Central Municipality to prevent the peddling and consumption of illicit harmful substances.
The deputy minister, who swore in some 100 members of the committee into office at a ceremony, said the fight against drug abuse is a complex issue that required a multifaceted approach.
He observed that majority of persons found to be drug users in Ghana were between the ages of 15-35, signaling a threat to the human capital resource base of the country.
In that regard, he indicated that the government through ministry for the interior in collaboration with the Narcotics Control Commission was committed to a multifaceted approach to address drug abuse.
“The causes of drug abuse are varied, including peer pressure, curiosity, socioeconomic challenges and lack of awareness about the dangers of drug abuse.
“We are strengthening law enforcement to curb the supply of illicit drugs, implementing public education campaigns to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse, and providing support for rehabilitation and reintegration of those affected by drug abuse,” he said.
Mr Terlabi also issued a stern warning about government’s intolerance to activities that undermined the safety and well-being of citizens, hence the commitment to prosecute those engaged in drug-related activities.
He further commended the Chief and Muslim clerics of Sabon Zango for their dedication to the well-being of the youth and the development of the community.
Assistant Commissioner of Police, Madam Gifty Mawunyega Tehoda, Director of the Community Policing Unit of the Ghana Police Service, said partnering the community to combat increasing crimes was a vital security strategy.
“As the police cannot be everywhere at all times, the Neighbourhood Watch committee serves as our eyes and ears,” she said.
She urged the committee to adhere to guidelines and desist from acts that may infringe on the human rights of others.
These acts, she mentioned, included instant justice, kangaroo court, Chieftaincy issues, land guard activities.
“I appeal to citizens to welcome and support these volunteers,” she said.
Alhaji Kamal Abubakar, Chairman of the watch committee, expressed gratitude to stakeholders for the overwhelming support received in the fight against Illicit drugs.
He, however, called for more attention to be paid to victims undergoing rehabilitation, a process which he said was very costly.
He also appealed for assistance to help the committee secure an office space where they could keep their logistics and coordinate affairs.
Mr Abubakar urged local authorities to improve community infrastructure and also help the youth secure gainful employment, which would serve as an escape from the idleness that leads to engaging in social vices.
GNA
Edited by Christian Akorlie