Wall of Defence Assemblies of God launches youth week with anti-drug abuse campaign
Church launches Youth Week with a public campaign against substance abuse, urging parents, teachers and community members to support efforts to protect young people.
The Wall of Defence Assemblies of God Church in Navrongo has launched its annual Youth Week Celebration with a strong campaign against drug abuse, calling on the public to join efforts to address the growing menace of substance abuse among young people.
The Liaison Officer of the church’s Youth Ministry, John Ayaabawine Kazagisiba, made the call during an interview on the Big Mike Breakfast Show on Wednesday, July 8.
He explained that the annual Youth Week Celebration, organised under the auspices of the Assemblies of God Ghana, is aimed at nurturing the spiritual growth, leadership potential and personal development of young people through a series of faith-based and educational activities.
According to him, this year’s celebration commenced on Monday with Bible studies and youth-led programmes and will continue with a health talk, worship night, indoor games and a thanksgiving service to climax the week.
Kazagisiba said the centrepiece of this year’s celebration is a public health talk on “Drug Abuse and Its Related Issues,” describing substance abuse as a growing social challenge that is destroying the future of many young people.
“We have seen that it is necessary to bring this discussion to the general public because drug abuse has become a cancer in our society,” he stated.
He disclosed that the health talk will be facilitated by Frederick Adiyak, a Community Mental Health Officer and Rehabilitation Specialist, and Appiah Azuma, a Physician Assistant at the Navrongo Health Centre.
The resource persons are expected to educate participants on the causes, effects and prevention of substance abuse, as well as the support services available for persons battling addiction.
Kazagisiba stressed that the event is open to the general public, including parents, teachers, students and community members, noting that the fight against drug abuse requires a collective effort beyond the church.
He announced that the programme will be held on Thursday July 9, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Wall of Defence Assemblies of God Church, located behind the Presbyterian Cluster of Schools at Namolo.
He added that the Paramount Chief of Navrongo had expressed interest in attending the event in recognition of the importance of the campaign.
Also speaking on the programme, Angela Atan-Kurugu, a member of the church’s Youth Ministry, said the annual celebration seeks to empower young people spiritually, socially and intellectually through activities that promote responsible living and personal development.
She expressed concern over the increasing involvement of young people in substance abuse and said the health talk would provide participants with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions and avoid harmful behaviours.
“Drug abuse does not only affect the individual but also the family and the entire community. We also want people to know that help is available for those battling addiction,” she said.
Atan-Kurugu appealed to Christians, Muslims, parents, teachers and members of the public to participate in the remaining activities of the Youth Week Celebration, emphasising that protecting young people from the dangers of drug abuse is a shared responsibility that transcends religious and social boundaries.
Mike 105.3FM I Navrongo | Elizabeth Apusaama
