Member of Parliament for Awutu Senya East, Phillis Naa Koryoo Okunor, has dismissed claims that some youth in Kasoa are addicted to smoking Indian hemp also called ‘wee’.

According to the MP, young people in her constituency, particularly those often described as “ghetto boys,” do not engage in smoking but rather consume a local tea drink known as “Ataya”.

Speaking in an interview on Metro TV Ghana on March 16, 2026, she emphasised that the constituency has much to offer and that she is working diligently to improve its public image.

Addressing the perception of drug use among the youth, she stated, “There are no ‘wee boys’ in Kasoa. In every community, there may be ghettos, but that does not mean they smoke. My boys take Ataya. They don’t smoke - it’s not ‘wee’; it’s a drink.”

She further clarified that she is familiar with many of the young people in these communities and regularly interacts with them.

“I know them. I spend time with them. I give them Ataya because Ataya is tea…yes, I take Ataya, we give them Ataya and sugar …because Ataya geos with a lot of sugar because Ataya is very bitter. I love Ataya, I drink Ataya because Ataya is tea.”

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The MP stressed that she has neither witnessed nor received reports of Ataya being mixed with any illicit substances.

“I have never seen or heard of Ataya being laced with ‘wee.’ As far as I know, they do not smoke at all it is pure Ataya.”

“Kasoa boys don’t smoke; they only take ataya. I love Ataya myself,” -- Phyllis Naa Koryoo Okunor, MP for Awutu Senya East.#MetroNews #metrotvonline pic.twitter.com/gD04BCf1aE

— Metro TV Ghana (@metrotvgh) March 17, 2026