MPs push for illicit drug fight

Members of Parliament are pushing for adequate funds and other resources to enable authorities control illicit drug use, trafficking, and trade in the country.

The call comes as the country marks world day against drug abuse and illicit trafficking. Activities to mark the day commenced on June 22 and is expected to be climaxed on Sunday June 26 when the day will be marked across the globe.

The International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is set aside as an expression of the determination to strengthen action and cooperation to achieve the goal of an international society free of drug abuse.

In a statement read in parliament on Friday June 24 to mark the day, Deputy Minister for the Interior, James Agalga, said the focus of government is targeted on prevention, which “is an effective investment in the wellbeing of children, youth, families and communities”.

He said the theme for this year is ‘Listen First’, which is to “sensitise patients to cultivate the habit of listening to their children in all their daily concerns, which is the first step to help them grow and live healthy and stay safe”.

His call was supported by the Member of Parliament for Mpohor, Alex Agyekum, who outlined the importance of strengthening the Narcotics Control Board (NACOB) and other drug law enforcement agencies to carry out their mandate.

“Government must ensure all it can to make sure that the NACOB Bill that is being proposed arrives here on time to solve the shortcomings in the current Act. It is important that we commit resources into fighting drug abuse. If you look at the 2016 budget, the amount that is allocated [amounts] to nothing,” he bemoaned.

To him, the country had failed to provide resources to the law enforcement agencies to carry out their mandate.

He advised relevant agencies on drug control to collaborate and submit a good Bill so that it would form a comprehensive strategy to implement systems to eradicate drug abuse.

He advocated a system that would prioritise the health aspect of drug addiction so that the country does not condemn all addicts to prison.

“WHO’s stand is looking at drug addiction as a health problem so that we do not always see people engaged in the act as criminals,” he added.

Meanwhile UN Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon has entreated countries across the globe to step up efforts in the fight against illicit drugs.

Parts of his press statement indicated: “On this International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, I call on countries and communities to continue to improve the lives of everyone blighted by drug abuse by integrating security and public safety with a heightened focus on health, human rights, and sustainable development."