The Akrofuom District Assembly has raised concerns over a rise in drug use within the district, which it views as a growing threat to local security.
District Chief Executive Dr. Maurice Jonas Woode acknowledged the increasing impact of drug abuse in the area and shared that the Assembly has developed a plan to address the issue.
During a general meeting on Thursday, October 24, 2024, Dr. Woode announced that the Assembly’s social services subcommittee has been tasked with coordinating efforts with agencies such as the Food and Drugs Authority and the Pharmaceutical Council.
This collaboration aims to curb the purchase of unprescribed drugs, including tramadol, and ensure stricter controls to limit access to harmful substances.
“The situation is very worrying, nowadays, a lot of young people are seen carrying water bottles around which contain drugs of all kinds. If we don’t step in to nip the situation in the bud, we will soon be overwhelmed with the situation”, Dr. Woode said.
Taskforce to deal with Illegal mining
Addressing the media shortly after the Assembly meeting, the Akrofuom DCE said the Assembly has already formed an electoral area task force to deal with Illegal mining in the area.
Illegal mining especially in water bodies has become a topical issue in the country in recent times. Akrofuom district has however not been spared of the devastating effects of illegal mining.
The DCE said the Assembly has recognized that forming an electoral area taskforce on illegal mining is the most cost-effective and proactive way to deal with the canker. The task force is made up of Assembly members, traditional rulers, unit committee members and the miners.
“The electoral area task force will help to sanitize the system and deal with any miner who destroys water bodies and those who do not reclaim the land after mining”
The Presiding member of the district Emmanuel Obeng on his part added his voice to the growing concern of the increase in drug use in the district. He said the situation has resulted in school dropouts and an increase in criminal activities in the district.
He said as part of the measures put in place to curb the situation, the Assembly will intensify public education on the consequences of drug use in schools.
The Assembly member for the Sikaman electoral area Matthew Bash on his part bemoaned the canker of drug abuse in the district saying that it is the cause of a lot of mental challenge issues in the district.
He implored the Assembly to double up its efforts to stem the tide of drug abuse.
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