Nana Boakye Ameyaw Pentemprem II, Aduanahene and Nifahenen of Techiman Traditional Area, has issued a strong appeal to the youth to stay away from illicit drugs and all forms of drug abuse, warning that substance abuse could undermine their health, ambitions and future prospects.
The traditional leader said the fight against drug abuse among young people remains a matter of great personal priority to him, explaining that he deliberately uses every opportunity he gets to speak through the media to draw attention to the dangers associated with illicit drugs.
Nana Boakye Ameyaw Pentemprem II made the call during this year’s Munufie Yam Festival, where he used the gathering to reinforce his message to young people, parents, traditional authorities and other stakeholders about the need to protect the younger generation from the growing threat of substance abuse.
According to him, the youth represent the future of Techiman and Ghana, and allowing them to become trapped in drug abuse could have serious consequences for families, communities and the country as a whole.
He said his repeated appeals through the media are deliberate because he believes public education and continuous engagement are critical to preventing young people from experimenting with or becoming dependent on illicit substances.
“Whenever I get the opportunity to speak to the media, I make this call because it is a matter of great priority to me. We cannot sit down and watch illicit drugs destroy the future of our young people.”
The Techiman Nifahene stressed that young people have enormous potential and should channel their energy, creativity and talents into productive activities that can improve their lives and contribute to the development of their communities.
He cautioned that the consequences of drug abuse could go beyond the individual user, affecting families and creating social challenges that can be difficult to reverse.
“Our youth are not a problem to be managed, they are an asset to be protected and developed. If drugs take control of their lives, we will not only lose individuals, we will lose the human capital needed to build our communities.”
Nana Boakye Ameyaw Pentemprem II therefore urged young people to resist peer pressure and reject invitations to experiment with illicit drugs, particularly when such substances are presented as a means of gaining acceptance, confidence or temporary relief from personal challenges.
He encouraged the youth to seek proper guidance whenever they encounter difficulties, rather than resorting to substances that could worsen their circumstances.
The traditional leader also called on parents and guardians to take a greater interest in the lives of their children, stressing that effective parental guidance, open communication and responsible supervision could play an important role in preventing drug abuse.
He urged parents not to wait until a child had developed a serious substance-use problem before intervening, but to pay attention to changes in behaviour and provide the necessary guidance and support early.
“Parents must not only provide food, clothing and education for their children; they must also provide direction. Know your children, listen to them and guide them before the wrong people take over that responsibility.”
He further appealed to traditional leaders, religious organisations, schools, civil society groups and government institutions to strengthen public education on drug abuse and create opportunities that would keep young people meaningfully engaged.
According to him, the fight against illicit drugs cannot be left to law enforcement agencies alone, as prevention requires a collective effort from families, communities and national institutions.
Nana Boakye Ameyaw Pentemprem II said providing young people with opportunities in education, vocational training, entrepreneurship, sports and other productive areas could help them develop their potential and reduce their vulnerability to harmful influences.
He also encouraged young people who may already be struggling with substance abuse not to feel hopeless or ashamed to seek help, stressing that rehabilitation, support and positive guidance can help individuals rebuild their lives.
“No young person should believe that drugs are the end of the road. There is always a way back, but the best decision is to stay away before addiction takes away your opportunities.”
The Techiman Aduanahene further urged the youth to recognise that the choices they make today can significantly determine the quality of their lives in the future.
He said the pursuit of quick pleasure or temporary excitement should never be allowed to destroy long-term ambitions.
“Do not exchange your future for a moment of pleasure. Protect your mind, protect your health and protect your dreams, because once your future is damaged, recovering what you have lost can be extremely difficult.”
Nana Boakye Ameyaw Pentemprem II reiterated that his advocacy against illicit drugs would remain a priority whenever he had the opportunity to engage the media and the public.
He therefore called on the youth of Techiman and Ghana to become ambassadors of responsible living by discouraging their peers from using illicit drugs and promoting healthy and productive lifestyles.
Source: Newspyramid.com
