The Minister of Interior, Hon. Mohammed Muntaka-Mubarak, has held a crucial meeting with religious leaders to address the rising menace of drug abuse in the country.
Expressing deep concern over the evolving nature of substance abuse, he called for a united front in tackling the issue, which he described as a threat to societal values and the well-being of the youth.
During the meeting, Hon. Muntaka-Mubarak highlighted the alarming shift from traditional illicit drugs such as cocaine and heroin to the misuse of prescription medications.
He emphasized that while these medications serve important medical purposes, their abuse in excessive doses mirrors the devastating effects of conventional hard drugs.
“We are moving away from the traditional drugs that we all know—cocaine, heroin—and people are now misusing medications that are meant to be beneficial. They are altering these medications and taking them in high doses, leading to effects just as harmful as cocaine and other hard drugs. This is destroying our society, and we must collectively address this growing concern,” he stated.
The Minister underscored the importance of community involvement in curbing drug abuse, particularly in Kumasi, a city renowned for its rich culture and industrious spirit.
He warned that if left unchecked, drug abuse could erode the very foundations of society and compromise the future of the youth.
Hon. Muntaka-Mubarak acknowledged their significant role beyond spirituality, emphasizing their influence in shaping moral values and guiding communities.
He urged them to take proactive steps in their congregations to help combat the issue.
“You interact with your congregation regularly—some of you once a week, others twice or even daily. We urge you to support us in two keyways: first, by identifying practical ways in which your churches, mosques, and religious organizations can contribute to efforts in your communities to curb this menace,” he appealed.
Minister of Interior, Hon. Muntaka-Mubarak reaffirmed his ministry’s dedication to providing necessary support and resources to aid in this nationwide battle against drug abuse and concluded with an agreement to establish collaborative efforts between the government and religious organizations, ensuring that sensitization and rehabilitation programs reach affected individuals and communities.
Story by Freedom Lavoe
