Stephen Aeke Akurugo, the Kassena-Nankana West District Chief Executive (DCE), has expressed concern over the increasing rate of illicit drug abuse among young people in the district.

He noted that the abuse of substances such as Red 225, cannabis (commonly known as wee), and tramadol was becoming widespread and posed a serious threat to the future of the youth and the socio-economic development of the district.

Although several awareness and sensitization programmes were carried out by the Department of Social Welfare, the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), and other civil society organisations, the DCE stressed that more intensive efforts and stronger collaboration among stakeholders were needed to tackle the problem effectively.

Akurugo, who is a nurse by profession, was speaking at the first ordinary meeting of the District Assembly.

He called on parents, traditional leaders, religious institutions, schools, security agencies, and relevant stakeholders to join forces to combat the menace and protect the future of the district’s youth.

The DCE and Chairman of the District Security Council (DISEC) reiterated the Assembly’s commitment to promoting peace, security, and social development while encouraging collective responsibility in addressing the district’s challenges.