Lydia Abena Manu Adofo, Chief Executive Officer of the WillingWay Recovery and Rehabilitation Center, has called on the Government of Ghana to intensify efforts in combating the growing menace of illicit drug abuse across the country.

She made this passionate appeal during the 2nd edition of the Ashanti Business Merit Awards (ABMA) and conference night held at the Lancaster Hotel in Kumasi.

Speaking to guests gathered at the prestigious event, Manu Adofo emphasised that drug abuse continues to ruin countless lives, particularly among the youth, and threatens the nation’s human capital development.

She stressed that the government must adopt more proactive measures, including stricter enforcement of laws, community education, and the provision of adequate rehabilitation facilities.

According to the CEO, her institution, the WillingWay Recovery and Rehabilitation Center, has over the years played a pivotal role in supporting individuals struggling with substance abuse to reintegrate into society as productive citizens.

She noted that despite their efforts, the rising cases of drug addiction call for a more coordinated national response.

“The fight against illicit drugs cannot be won by rehabilitation centers alone. We need stronger partnerships with government agencies, local authorities, schools, and families to tackle this issue from its roots,” she stated.

Manu Adofo further appealed to stakeholders in the private sector to invest in initiatives aimed at preventing drug abuse and supporting recovery programs.

She highlighted that the Ashanti Region, like many parts of the country, is grappling with increasing cases of drug-related crimes, which have far-reaching consequences on security and economic development.

She therefore called for a multi-sectoral approach to address the social and economic factors that drive drug abuse.

The CEO also used the platform to commend her staff and partners for their dedication and resilience in providing professional care to recovering addicts, despite the many challenges facing the rehabilitation sector.

She urged the government to consider increasing budgetary allocations to support addiction treatment facilities across the nation.

The Ashanti Business Merit Awards, which recognizes institutions and individuals contributing significantly to the region’s growth, acknowledged the outstanding social impact of the WillingWay Recovery and Rehabilitation Centre.

The ABMA event served as a platform for businesses and institutions to come together, celebrate excellence, and acknowledge the hard work that goes into building a thriving community.

For Lydia Abena Manu Adofo and the WillingWay team, this award was a reminder that their efforts were valued and appreciated, and it would undoubtedly fuel their continued passion for making a difference in the lives of those they serve.

Manu Adofo reiterated her center’s commitment to continuing its lifesaving work and appealed to the public to join in the fight against illicit drug use for a healthier and more prosperous Ghana.