Kumasi, June 27, GNA - The Ashanti Regional Police Commander, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Patrick Timbila, said government was working assiduously to stem the increasing use and abuse of narcotic drugs and related substances among young people.
To this end, the government has resolved to maintain dialogue, collaboration and cooperation with the international partners on drug issues to institute measures along the borders to prevent narcotic drugs from entering the country. DCOP Timbila was speaking at a stakeholders' meeting to mark this year's celebration of World Day against Illicit Drug Trafficking and Use" in Kumasi on Saturday. In attendance were the security agencies, directors from various organizations, civil society groups, religious and traditional leaders and students.
It was on the theme; "Think Health not Drugs". DCOP Timbila said the government had shown commitment to equipping the Narcotics Control Board (NACOB) particularly in its new focus on reducing demand for drugs. Dr Akwasi Osei, Chief Psychiatrist, Ghana Health Service, said drug abuse had become a universal problem hence a world day to fight it. He said people who abused drugs reduced their life span by about 25 years and that 70 per cent of people who abused it from their teens died before their 45th birthday. He said what was worrying is the fact that 75 per cent of people between 15 and 35 years, the age group of students and young working force, were getting involved in the use of hard drugs. Mr Kofi Opoku-Manu, Ashanti Regional Minister, in an address read on his behalf, said the fight against drugs was not the reserve of any individual or organization. He said there is the need for all to support the NACOB and the security agencies in their efforts to curb drug abuse and trafficking in the country at all levels. Mr Yaw Akrasi-Sarpong, Acting Executive Secretary of NACOB appealed to civil society organizations, private companies and individuals to erect bill boards and other educational materials to educate people on effects of hard drugs.
