Damang: Mrs. Benedicta Adingelah, a certified counselor and the Executive Director of the Adingelah Foundation, a non-governmental organization, has advised the youth to avoid substance abuse and pursue their dreams. Misusing hard drugs, prescription medications, and excessive consumption of alcohol could affect their health, education, career, and jeopardize their future, she explained.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mrs. Adingelah gave the advice during the third edition of the Youth Expo programme held at the Wesley Methodist Church in Damang, within the Prestea Huni-Valley Municipality. The event, organized by the Adingelah Foundation in collaboration with the Local Council of Churches in Damang, was attended by hundreds of youths from Damang and its environs. It was centered around the theme: ‘A Journey from Reconciliation to Restoration, Then into Purposeful Living.’
Mrs. Adingelah emphasized that although the foundation had other plans, they were guided by God to organize ‘this project’, highlighting the concern over young individuals dropping out of school and how substance abuse is impacting their lives. She shared her experience of visiting ghettos to interact with some youth about the dangers of such negative practices, noting that some of them attended the programme.
The Executive Director revealed plans to eliminate this lifestyle by coordinating with all schools within the Damang Mines area to educate students on substance abuse in the next academic year. She added that the foundation, through its dedicated volunteers, would continue to provide the necessary support and guidance to discourage the youth from engaging in substance abuse.
Mr. Charles Kwakye Osei, the Unit Head at the Addictive Disease Unit, Kole-Bu Teaching Hospital, educated participants on the stages of drug use, its causes, peer pressure, addiction management, and healthy ways to function without drugs. He urged the youth to develop their own approach to building friendships and distance themselves from peers who use substances.
Mr. Osei, who also serves as a counselor, stressed the importance of parental guidance in helping young people focus on their studies to minimize substance-related thoughts. A team of counselors was present to assist those needing support to recover from substance abuse and rebuild their lives.
