The Upper West Regional Minister, Lawyer Charles Lwanga Puozuing, has voiced deep concern over the alarming increase in drug abuse across the region, emphasizing that the issue is persistent, predatory, and affecting young people even within school compounds.
Speaking at the inauguration of a 15-member taskforce to combat illicit drug use, Puozuing urged members to approach the task with dedication and urgency, calling for collaboration across institutions to tackle the crisis head-on.
“Let us not delude ourselves, the menace of illicit drug use is no longer remote. It is present, persistent, and predatory. It is at our backstage terminal, within our homes, and sadly, even within our school compounds”.
He further stressed the need for proactive measures, urging members of the newly formed taskforce to treat their terms of reference as a moral compass rather than mere directives.
“We must not be silent. We must rise, resist, and reclaim our youth. This crisis demands our collective effort”.
The minister outlined the taskforce’s objectives, which include identifying, apprehending, and prosecuting dealers, transporters, distributors, and users of illicit drugs.
He also emphasized the need for strong community support to aid in prevention efforts.
“We must collaborate across agencies and institutions to ensure that those fueling this crisis are held accountable. This is not just about enforcement,it is about protecting our future”.
By: Paulina Arthur
