The Upper East Regional Minister, Hon. Akamugri Donatus Atanga, has called for intensified enforcement of narcotics laws and robust public education campaigns to address a surge in opioid abuse and emerging drug trends in the region.
The Minister issued the directive during a meeting today with the Regional Commander of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), SNCO Abdul Aziz Saed, and his team at the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) in Bolgatanga.
SNCO Saed briefed the Minister on the escalating opioid crisis and outlined NACOC’s ongoing efforts to curb the problem. He also highlighted a concerning rise in the use of e-cigarettes, locally referred to as “vipers,” particularly among youth. These devices, he noted, increasingly contain unregulated and hazardous substances, with reports of their prevalence in social venues, including pubs and recreational spots.
Further, SNCO Saed raised alarms over widespread cannabis cultivation in the Kayoro area, disclosing that advanced plans are underway to launch an alternative livelihood program. The initiative aims to transition local farmers from cannabis production to sustainable grain cultivation, addressing both economic and security concerns.
In response, Hon. Akamugri stressed the urgency of strict law enforcement paired with community sensitization to dismantle drug networks and deter youth from substance abuse.
“As a government, our major objective is to provide a peaceful environment for the youth to develop,” he asserted. “We must act decisively to enforce existing laws while educating the public on the dangers of these substances.”
The Minister commended NACOC’s efforts and pledged the RCC’s support for collaborative strategies to tackle the crisis, underscoring the need for inter-agency cooperation and community engagement to safeguard the region’s future.
This meeting marks a renewed push by regional authorities to confront drug-related challenges head-on, balancing punitive measures with socio-economic interventions to foster long-term stability.
