'I'm ready to help you gain jobs only if you'll stop the drugs' - Bibiani Chief

The Chief of Bibiani New Town, Nana Abu Gyaabeng, has declared his readiness to facilitate job opportunities for the youth in his community, but with a strict condition. According to him, they must immediately abandon the use of illicit drugs like marijuana and tramadol.

Speaking on the rising trend of drug abuse, the traditional leader expressed deep concern, noting that the habit is currently the biggest obstacle preventing young people from being employed in the lucrative mining sector and other professional vocations.

Nana Abu Gyaabeng revealed that he has already held high-level discussions with local mining companies to provide training and employment for the youth. However, he noted that the companies' mandatory drug testing policy has disqualified many applicants.

"I am forever ready to help the youth secure jobs. We have mining companies and many other vocations here where we can help them. But the problem is that many of them run away from the tests, or fail them due to drug use. If they continue with these bad habits, it will be very difficult to help them."

He encouraged the youth to reflect on their future, adding that if he had engaged in drug abuse during his youth, he would never have attained his current status as a leader.

Isaac Anyimah, an aspiring NDC Deputy Constituency Chairman for Bibiani Anwiaso Bekwai, commended the Chief for his proactive stance.

He called on fellow politicians to follow the Chief's example by prioritising the welfare and moral uprightness of the youth and pledged that if elected, his primary focus would be to fight for youth empowerment and job creation to steer them away from social vices.

On his part, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Bibiani Anwiaso Bekwai, Hon. Sebastian Obeng, highlighted that the Assembly is already conducting sensitisation programs to educate the youth on the dangers of substance abuse.

"The government and the Assembly are doing their best to support anyone championing this cause. We want our youth to be responsible citizens who can contribute to the national development agenda," the MCE stated.

The MCE further warned that drug addiction, including the use of cocaine and tramadol, not only destroys health but also ruins the chance to participate in government-led job creation initiatives. He emphasised that even as more opportunities are being created, only those who are physically and mentally fit will be engaged.