A concerned resident of Kpandai in the Northern Region, Haruna Tajudeen, has petitioned the District Chief Executive, Haruna Karim, as well as key state institutions and the Paramount Chief of Kpandai, Nana Atorwosah Okore (Kpandaiwura), over the rising misuse of opioid drugs in the district.
In the petition, Mr Tajudeen is calling for urgent investigations, stricter regulation and possible restrictions on the distribution and use of substances such as Pethidine, Morphine, Tramadol and other opioid drugs within the Kpandai District.
He warned that the increasing availability and abuse of these controlled medicines pose a serious public health threat, particularly to young people. According to him, failure to act promptly could lead to higher levels of addiction, crime and long-term health complications within the community.
Mr Tajudeen urged the District Assembly, health authorities, the Pharmacy Council, the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) and security agencies to collaborate in monitoring how opioids are sold, prescribed and distributed in the district.
He stressed the need for regular inspections of pharmacies, chemical shops and health facilities to ensure such drugs are dispensed strictly under proper medical supervision and in accordance with the law.
The petitioner also appealed to traditional authorities, led by the Kpandaiwura, to use their influence to support community education efforts and clamp down on the informal sale of opioid substances.
He further proposed public awareness campaigns, school sensitisation programmes and community engagements to educate residents on the dangers associated with drug abuse.
While acknowledging the legitimate medical use of opioids, Mr Tajudeen cautioned that their uncontrolled circulation could have devastating social and health consequences for the district.
Some residents have also expressed concern about the growing misuse of drugs in Kpandai, making the call for swift action both timely and necessary.
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Read the full petition below:
