Accra, June 26, 2025 — In observance of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Hon. Issifu Mahmoud, MP for Binduri Constituency, delivered a stern reminder of the growing threat posed by drug abuse and illicit trafficking in Ghana. The United Nations designated this day in 1987 to prompt global action against this scourge, and the 2025 theme, “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention,” underscores the power of early intervention.
Mahmoud emphasized the widespread nature of the problem: Ghana is seeing increased addiction among youth, expanded availability of synthetic drugs, and organized trafficking networks forming both domestically and internationally. He warned that these trends threaten families, erode moral foundations, spur crime, strain healthcare systems, and stall national development and security.
Calling for a holistic approach, the MP stated that legislative measures alone are insufficient—what’s required is addressing underlying social drivers like poverty, unemployment, trauma, and lack of opportunity. “Every young person must have access to support and education to make informed choices,” he asserted.
He detailed the government’s actions under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama, which include:
- Strengthening inter-agency coordination among Health, Security, Border, and Port authorities to detect and disrupt drug trafficking.
- Launching youth-focused empowerment programs such as ADWUMAWURA, the One Million Coders Program, and the Youth Apprenticeship Programme via the Youth Employment Agency (YEA).
- Supporting grassroots movements, including youth-led anti-drug initiatives in areas like Nima, ensuring they operate within legal frameworks and under security supervision.
Mahmoud urged citizens—especially lawmakers—to reflect on the consequences of drug abuse and trafficking. He led a rallying cry: “NO to drugs, NO to trafficking, YES to protecting the LIFE, HEALTH, and DIGNITY of our young people.”
Speaking in an interview with www.parliamentnews360.com after his statement on the Floor of the House, Hon. Issifu Mahmoud spotlighted prevention and community-driven initiatives and called for a national recommitment to the safety and empowerment of Ghana’s youth, echoing the UN’s call for global solidarity in confronting drug-related challenges.
Source: Clement Akoloh||parliamentnews360.com
