By Michael Foli Jackidy
Ho (V/R), June 2, GNA – Mr Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, Minister for the Interior, has expressed concern over the growing menace of drug abuse among the youth, describing it as a major threat to national security and social development.
Speaking during an engagement with chiefs of the Asogli State and religious leaders as part of his two-day working visit to the Volta Region, the Minister appealed to traditional authorities, religious leaders, and other stakeholders to intensify public education on the dangers of narcotic drug use and trafficking.
Mr Muntaka said the increasing use of illicit substances by young people had reached alarming levels and required a coordinated national response.
“The level of drug abuse among our youth is becoming worrying, and as the Ministry responsible for the Narcotics Control Commission, we are deeply concerned. We cannot only arrest those using the drugs without addressing where they are coming from,” he said.
The Minister noted that investigations by security agencies had identified parts of the Volta region as areas where the cultivation of marijuana was prevalent, attracting attention from neighbouring countries and international organisations.
He disclosed that some countries, including Nigeria, had raised concerns about the movement of marijuana believed to originate from Ghana, while the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime had also shown interest in Ghana’s efforts to combat the trade.
Mr Muntaka urged chiefs and religious leaders to use their platforms to educate the public on the harmful effects of drug abuse and discourage the cultivation and sale of illicit substances.
“We cannot justify the cultivation of illegal drugs because it serves as a source of livelihood. Criminal activities cannot be defended on economic grounds. We must find alternative means of livelihood for those involved,” he stated.
The Minister acknowledged concerns raised by some community members regarding the conduct of security personnel during anti-drug operations but explained that officers often faced dangerous situations, including armed resistance from traffickers.
He said the Government remained committed to ensuring professionalism among security personnel while intensifying the fight against drug-related crimes.
Mr Muntaka also highlighted government’s investment in security infrastructure, including the expansion of the Signal Bureau’s surveillance operations to Ho and other regional capitals.
He said the enhanced surveillance system was helping security agencies to monitor public spaces and strengthen crime prevention efforts across the country.
Mr Muntaka called on traditional authorities and community leaders to collaborate with security agencies by providing timely information to help maintain peace and security.
Responding on behalf of the Agbogbomefia, Togbe Adzie Lakle Howusu XII, Warlord of the Asogli State, pledged the support of traditional authorities in combating drug-related activities in the region.
He said chiefs would continue to provide relevant intelligence to security agencies to help curb the cultivation, distribution, and use of illegal drugs.
Togbe Howusu noted that demand for narcotic substances was a key factor driving production and called for intensified efforts to reduce consumption, especially among the youth.
He also urged authorities to strengthen enforcement of road traffic regulations involving commercial motorcycle (Okada) and tricycle (Keke) operators, some of whom, he said, exhibited behaviour suggestive of substance abuse.
The chiefs welcomed the Minister to the region and wished him a successful tour.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Lydia Kukua Asamoah