By Gilbert Azeem Tiroog, GNA
Zanlerigu (U/E), April 20, GNA – Mr Anthony Namoo, a private legal practitioner and the Upper East Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has advised the youth in the Nabdam District to desist from drug abuse and chart a better path for their future.
He warned that engaging in illicit drug use not only exposes them to legal consequences but also poses a serious threat to their future prospects and overall human development.
Mr Namoo gave the advice during the closing ceremony of his annual football gala at Zanlerigu, where he addressed participants and community members on the growing concern of substance abuse among young people.
He noted that the intake of drugs was gradually affecting the productivity of the youth, making it difficult for them to pursue their ambitions and contribute meaningfully to society.
“My advice to the youth is to avoid the intake of drugs because it is not good for you. Drugs will jeopardise your future and prevent you from achieving your aspirations,” he stated.
He expressed concern about the visible impact of drug abuse in communities, explaining that it was disheartening to see energetic young people rendered inactive and unable to engage in productive work.
“It is sometimes sad to see energetic youth unable to do any meaningful work because of drugs,” he added.
Mr Namoo stressed the need for collective responsibility in addressing the issue and called on parents, community leaders and other stakeholders to intensify education and awareness on the dangers of drug abuse.
The legal practitioner also used the occasion to urge the youth and community members to prioritize proper sanitation and environmental cleanliness.
He noted that maintaining clean surroundings was essential in preventing the outbreak of avoidable diseases and called on them to keep their surroundings clean and actively participate in National Sanitation Day exercises.
Mr Namoo encouraged the youth to engage in positive activities such as sports, particularly football, which he said promotes discipline, unity, and peace.
“Football is about togetherness, and as youth, you must champion peace because development thrives on peace and unity,” he said.
The gala, which attracted teams from various communities in the Nabdam District, also served as a platform to promote youth development and social cohesion.
In the competition, Zanlerigu FC emerged champions after defeating Kontintabig FC in a closely contested final, making it three consecutive titles out of the four competitions organized so far.
For their victory, Zanlerigu FC received a cash prize of GH¢1,500, a trophy, gold medals and a football, earning them the ultimate bragging rights.
Kontintabig FC, who placed second, took home GH¢1,000, silver medals, a set of jerseys and a football.
Pelungu, who finished third, were philanthropists, and a football, while Zogambre, who placed fourth, received GH¢500 and a football.
Mr Francis Yenbila Engmah, a technical staff of Zanlerigu FC and lead organizer of the tournament, commended the initiative, noting that such engagements does not only promote sports but also create avenues to address critical social issues affecting the youth.
He called on government, philanthropists, non-governmental organisations to support the development of the community’s sporting infrastructure by constructing an astroturf pitch to enhance sporting activities in the area.
GNA
Edited by Caesar Abagali /Linda Asante Agyei