Chief of the Ejura Divisional Council, Barimah Osei Hwedie II, has cautioned that the future of many Ghanaian youth is in danger if urgent steps are not taken to curb the growing menace of drug abuse and addiction.
He expressed deep concern over the increasing number of young people engaging in behaviours that threaten their health, safety, and future prospects.
Despite the worrying trend, Barimah Osei Hwedie II maintained that the situation can be turned around if collective action is taken. He urged traditional leaders, religious institutions, security agencies, opinion leaders, and other stakeholders to intensify efforts to address the problem.
Speaking at the climax of the 2025 Ejura Sekyerene Festival on October 11, the Ejurahene appealed to the youth to stay away from drugs and social vices that could ruin their lives and opportunities.
He emphasised the need for community-driven initiatives to support prevention, rehabilitation, and education to safeguard the next generation.
“The current difficulties as a nation are partly due to the gradual surge of societal indiscipline, especially among the youth,” he noted.
He added that “drug abuse leads to deterioration of physical and mental health, an increase in crime rates, social unrest, and destruction of lives and properties.”
Barimah Osei Hwedie II called for a collective and holistic approach by all and sundry to deal with the canker that threatens the peace and development of Ejura in particular, and Ghana as a whole.
Paramount Chief of the Esumenya Traditional Council, Odeneho Okyere Kusi Ntrama II, who also spoke at the event, expressed worry over how some energetic youth are dying at the hands of illicit drugs.
He emphasised the need for stronger stakeholder collaboration to address the issue, which he indicated threatens the nation’s development and security.
His concerns were echoed by Barimah Osei Hwedie II, who also highlighted the importance of maintaining cleanliness in Ejura.
He urged the Municipal Assembly to ensure all public spaces are cleared, especially on National Sanitation Days.
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