A member of the Parliamentary Committee on Health, Dr. Kingsley Agyemang, is urging the government to allocate sufficient funds to combat the use of opioid drugs among the youth in the country.
He argues that this issue is taking a significant toll on the mental health of young people and must be addressed urgently.
Speaking during a debate on the 2025 budget in Parliament, on Wednesday, March 19, the Abuakwa South legislator stressed that the government’s plans to combat opioid drug use were not reflected in the budget therefore immediate action must be taken to remedy the situation.
“Mr. Speaker, the new opioid substance is what we call red. Mr. Speaker, what do you know red? It is the new opioid substance that is being abused. However, this mental health issue that was boldly stated in the manifesto of the NDC did not find expression in the national budget.
“We are all at risk. You intend to create a lot of jobs for the youth. The very youth that you intend giving opportunities to are abusing substances that there is a need for a national budget to address”.
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