Local authorities urged to enact bylaws to tackle substance abuse among the youth
Aliah described drug abuse as a global public health crisis that demands urgent and decisive interventions.
A Physician Assistant, Alfred Aliah, has called on traditional authorities and local assemblies to take a front-line role in combating the growing menace of drug abuse among young people by enacting bylaws that restrict the sale and misuse of harmful substances at the community level.
Speaking on the Big Mike Breakfast Show on Tuesday, November 25, Aliah described drug abuse as a global public health crisis that demands urgent and decisive interventions.
“In my community, there is a ban on the use of apeteshei at funerals, which I believe is a step in the right direction such bylaws can be adopted at the community or assembly level to prevent young people from accessing substances that often result in addiction.”
Aliah further stressed the need for stronger border control and effective regulation of drug distribution. He urged state institutions to intensify supervision to curb the illegal importation and sale of unapproved drugs.
“We need to strengthen border security. Our Food and Drugs Authority must be proactive, ensure proper supervision and implement strict sanctions against those who trade in illegal drugs. Our institutions must be up to the task so that unapproved drugs do not find their way into the system.”
Citing alarming national statistics, Aliah revealed that drug abuse among the youth continues to rise at a worrying rate.
“The Narcotics Control Board has confirmed that Ghana has about 50,000 drug users, and out of this number, 35,000 are between the ages of 12 and 35. These are the very people expected to take up leadership and drive the affairs of this country in the future.”
He therefore appealed to young people to desist from drug abuse, adding that the long-term health and socio-economic consequences could be devastating.
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