The initiative brings together health professionals, religious and traditional leaders, institutions, and identifiable groups. Youth groups will take a lead role in reaching out to their peers.

The campaign, themed “Life Not Poison,” aims to break the cycle of drug abuse that threatens to waste the potential of young people, starting from Suhum.

Speaking to Adom News, Mr. Asiedu Bekoe expressed deep concern over alarming social media content and documentaries highlighting the growing trend of drug abuse among the youth—whom he described as future leaders and potential parents.

“Ghana is in crisis. The rate of substance abuse is alarming,” he stated.

The launch event saw participation from the Suhum Chief Imam, health directorates, political leaders, and legal experts, all of whom addressed attendees.

Mr. Asiedu Bekoe explained that the campaign will be rolled out across various communities within and beyond the Suhum Constituency.

“I’m not only supporting emergency health needs, but also raising awareness, sensitising the public, and building a support system to connect affected youth with health officers and counsellors,” he said.

He stressed that the fight against substance abuse requires collective action, warning: “Red is not a painkiller—it’s a life killer.”

The MP urged the youth to stay focused and avoid drug use, stating that research has shown no benefits—only destruction, poverty, illness, and in some cases, death.

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He said such drugs affect the brain and could lead to health issues such as kidney failure and heart problems.

The AHISEC Headmaster said smoking marijuana could affects their memory and cognitive function and cause harmful cardiovascular effects, such as high blood pressure.

Mr Moru gave this advice at a sensitisation programme on effects of terrorism, organised by the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) for the students of AHISEC at  Ahamansu in the Kadjebi District of the Oti Region.

He said most of the youths that terrorists’ recruits for terrorism often dabbles in hard drugs making them “high” and do things that they could not do if not under the influence of drugs.

The headmaster said drugs only aggravate problems rather than solving them, so the youth should stay away from it.

“Hard drugs will jeopardise your future, so desist from it, “he said.

Ms  Hagar Ampah, a Principal Civic Education Officer with the NCCE, said hard drug intake could affect them during old age if not now.

She advised them to beware of things they shared on social media since it was a fertile group for extremist recruiters.

Ms. Ampah said young adults were target to extremist recruiters due to their susceptibility to influence, search for identity and desire for belonging, so they should be careful not to be lured into joining extremist groups.

“Be observant and report suspicious characters to lawful agencies for prompt action,” she appealed.

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A case has been booked against the accused under the section of Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act 1985.

Inquiries revealed that he had come to India on a medical visa but then enrolled in the New York Film Academy in Mumbai to learn acting. 

According to the police, he had completed a six-month course in acting from the same academy in Abuja in Nigeria, The Hindu reports.

He had also acted in movies like Kannada film ‘Anna Bond’, ‘Paramathma’ including Kamal Haasan’s 2013 box office hit ‘Vishwaroopam’ and Bollywood film ‘Dilwale’.

Also seized were 500 grammes of heroin, hidden inside auto spare parts, headed for Canada.

NDLEA Director, Media and Advocacy, Mr Femi Babafemi, stated this on Saturday, April 24, in Abuja.

He stated also that a package of 3.1 kg of Indian hemp concealed inside spices, and another package of one kilogramme of Indian hemp concealed inside local herbs were seized.

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According to Instablog9ja, the two packages were to be delivered to the UAE.

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