Yalwa youth hold health walk to raise awareness on substance abuse

Hajia Aisha Community Service (HACS), in partnership with Yalwa Youth, on November 16, 2025, organised a community-wide health walk aimed at campaigning against substance abuse. The event took place in Yalwa, a suburb of Abossey Okai in the Greater Accra Region.

The walk formed part of activities marking this year’s Maulid (the birth of Prophet Muhammad) celebration and was held under the auspices of the Abossey Okai Zongo Yalwa Chief, Sarki Mohammed Aliyu Atiku Bashar, the Mukhtar Adam Foundation, and the Hajia Aisha Community Centre.

Held on the theme “Safeguarding the Future of Our Youth,” the health walk brought together residents of Yelwa and surrounding communities.

The initiative sought to educate the public on the dangers of drug and substance abuse, particularly among young people.

Officials from the Greater Accra Narcotics Control Commission (NCC) and mental health professionals also participated, engaging residents on the impacts of drug misuse and mental health issues.

Speaking after the walk, Abdul Aziz Ali, Acting Deputy Regional Commander of the NCC, urged community members to view the fight against substance abuse as a collective responsibility.

He noted that many people downplay the importance of the fight because they believe they are not directly affected.

However, he stressed that substance abuse influences communities through increased crime, theft, and the likelihood of more youth being drawn into drug use.

Aziz warned that anyone found in possession of illegal substances risks a fine of GH₵5,000, a six-month prison term, or both.

He also cautioned against the misuse of everyday medicines such as paracetamol and doctor-prescribed drugs, describing it as an overlooked form of drug abuse.

He encouraged residents to follow medical instructions strictly and avoid self-prescribing or recommending drugs to others.

A Senior Nursing Officer at the Pantang Hospital, Zuneru Zakari, advised parents to monitor their children closely and seek medical help immediately when they notice behavioural changes.

He highlighted the psychological effects associated with substance use and stressed the need for early intervention.

The Gimbiya of Yalwa, Hajia Aisha Zakaria, called on Zongo youth across the country to avoid drug abuse and focus on activities that promote development within their communities.

She described the rising cases of substance abuse among Zongo youth as a national crisis threatening Ghana’s human capital development.

She expressed concern that many promising young people with great potential are being lost to drug addiction.

Hajia Aisha also condemned the involvement of some women in drug peddling and urged them to desist from the practice for the sake of their families and communities.