Executive Secretary of the Narcotics Control Board, Akrasi Sarpong says the dangers of illicit drug-use are devastating for Ghana if the menace is not curbed immediately.

According to Akrasi Sarpong, the youth are the most at risk if a national debate on the matter is not initiated.

Mr. Akrasi Sarpong disclosed that the upsurge in the use of all kinds of narcotic substances secretly in many communities in the country is making it difficult for his outfit to clamp down on illicit drug use.

Speaking to XYZ News at the launch of the 2013 annual report of the International Narcotics Control Board, he called on the media to lead the campaign to fight the use of illicit drugs in the country.

“Every town and village has somebody who is selling marijuana and it is a big problem we have in Ghana, so it is a real challenge [to us]. [Marijuana] is the most wide spread drug used across the borders…so it is a problem in West Africa,” Mr. Akrasi Sarpong said.

“I believe that marijuana is dangerous for health but it is not for me to say, it is for our scientists and society to debate it. I don’t want to us to wait and keep quiet and one day our children will one day legalize it before we say lost opportunity”.

“The debate must begin now so we deal with it once and for all”.