Western Nzema: The Western Nzema Youth League (WNYL), a youth group, has urged the government to treat opioid and other substance abuse among the youth as a national security issue and take decisive actions against it. Dr Patrick Ekye Kwesie, Leader of the WNYL, highlighted the potential consequences of rising opioid tablet consumption among young people during an interview.
According to Ghana News Agency, Dr Kwesie emphasized that the increasing trend poses significant risks not only to individuals but also to communities, as it could rob them of productive members. He stressed the importance of the government addressing this matter urgently, stating, “The issue is a national canker that must not be entertained, and so I think the government must treat this as a national security issue and decisively eliminate it in our communities.”
Dr Kwesie also warned that young people must understand the dangers associated with opioids, which can create a difficult-to-break cycle of dependency. He pointed out that while opioids might seem like a quick escape from stress or pain, they ultimately lead to more severe issues such as addiction, health complications, and even fatalities.
He advocated for alternative coping mechanisms for the youth, suggesting involvement in activities like sports, arts, and community service as healthier means of achieving self-fulfillment without the risks linked to drug use. Dr Kwesie called on parents and community leaders to actively educate young people about the dangers of substance abuse to mitigate its harmful effects.
“The Western Nzema Youth League remains committed to fostering a drug-free environment and empowering the youth to make informed choices for a brighter future,” Dr Kwesie concluded.
