The Damongo Traditional Area, particularly Damongo Township, the Savannah regional capital, is facing a growing concern over the increasing intake of opioids among the youth.
The Overlord of the Damongo Traditional Area, Damongowura Kelly Boresa (I), has raised the alarm, cautioning the youth against the dangers of opioid abuse.
Speaking to Spear FM News Team as part of its project to Say No To Opioids, Damongowura Kelly Boresa (I) expressed deep concern about the rising trend of opioid abuse in the area.
Some of the commonly abused drugs, include: Tramadol, Codeine, Morphine, Pentazocine, Apetamin (a combination of tramadol and paracetamol) and Refinol.
The chief emphasized that the abuse of these substances poses a significant threat to the future of the area, as the youth are the leaders of tomorrow. “If we don’t address this issue promptly, it will jeopardize the youth and put the future of our area in doom,” he warned.
Damongowura Kelly Boresa (I) also cautioned over-the-counter (OTC) medical dealers and pharmacists against selling these drugs to individuals without a physician’s prescription. “We cannot stress enough the importance of responsible dispensing of these substances,” he said. “It’s crucial that pharmacists and medical dealers adhere to the regulations and only dispense these drugs when prescribed by a qualified physician.”
To combat the growing menace of opioid abuse, the chief announced plans to hold a stakeholders’ engagement. The meeting will bring together key players, including the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), the Ghana Police Service, the military, and the local assembly. “We need a collective effort to address this issue,” he emphasized. “By working together, we can develop effective strategies to curb the abuse of opioids and protect our youth.”
The chief’s initiative is a welcome move, given the devastating effects of opioid abuse on individuals and communities. Opioid addiction can lead to a range of problems, including health issues, social problems, and economic difficulties.
In the Damongo Traditional Area, where the youth are the backbone of the community, addressing opioid abuse is crucial for the area’s development and progress.
The Spear FM News Team’s project to Say No To Opioids aims to raise awareness about the dangers of opioid abuse and promote responsible behavior. By highlighting the concerns of community leaders like Damongowura Kelly Boresa (I), the project seeks to spark a conversation about the need for collective action to address this critical issue. As the Damongo Traditional Area takes steps to tackle opioid abuse, it is hoped that other communities will follow suit. By working together, we can create a safer and healthier environment for our youth to thrive.
