Adwinsa Publications launch book on Tramadol

The Management of Adwinsa Publications Ghana Limited has launched its latest book; "The Plight of Akimbu," aimed at educating school children on substance abuse, especially on the abuse of tramadol.

Tramadol is a prescription-only medication used to treat moderate to severe pain. When taken, it works on the nervous system and the brain to reduce the feeling of pain.

The proliferation of higher strength tramadol among the youth in the country calls for concern and coordinated efforts by stakeholders to rid the market of this unregistered product.

This has the tendency to threaten the gains made in the provision of healthcare.

Speaking at the launch of the Book, Mrs Nana Esi Inkoom, the Director of School Health Education Programme (SHEP) of the Ghana Education Service, said children were growing up quickly and missing out on the beauty of innocence and cultural learning that instils morals, values and norms in the children.

She said the youth were constantly being bombarded with untruths, luring them to take up vices and addictive behaviours like drinking, smoking and the abuse of drugs.

She pointed out that currently the most popularly abused substance is tramadol.

Mrs Inkoom said these vices had grave consequences on the society and, especially, the individual.

She mentioned poor health, severe illness and dropping out of school as some of the dire consequences of drug abuse.

She said as an educationist, she was convinced that a sure way of reforming and keeping young people on the right path was by providing them with education in its entirety.

Mr Kwaku Oppong Amponsah, the General Manager of Adwinsa Publications Ltd, said for days and weeks unending, he had been concerned about the fate of young ones due to substance abuse, especially the abuse of tramadol, which was ruining their lives.

He noted that as a matter of urgency the young ones should be given another chance to build their lives and become the people who could change stories as individuals, families and as a nation.

He said the book highlighted the causes, life-threatening impact and remedies of substance abuse, adding that: “Ghana can become drug-free and it starts with you to reassure, inspire and support at least one child to find meaning to life beyond the abuse of substance of whatever kind.”

Mr Emmanuel Essandor Jnr, the Author of the Book, noted that: “The Plight of Akimbu’ is based on real-life experiences, and is informative and educative, with the intension to expose the youth to the dangers of drug abuse, especially the abuse of tramadol.

He, therefore, called on government and corporate organisations to, as part of their corporate social responsibilities, come on board to help print more copies of the book to reach every child in the country, especially those in deprived areas.

“It is a long way to winning the fight against substance abuse; yes, we know, but with a united front we can together fight and win against drug abuse in societies,” the Author added.

Mrs Dzifa Gomashie, a former Deputy Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, said the theme for the launch: “End Tramadol Abuse: Secure Your Future,” highlighted the need for parents to be responsible in their children’s upbringing.

She said parenting had changed, moved from instilling morals and norms to focusing on the provision of our children’s needs, hence, children were being exposed to materials that were not child-friendly.

Mrs Gomashie, who the Chaired the launch, advised children to enjoy childhood, be honest and patriotic, and at all times be taught that life was about time and seasons.