Malik Basintale, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Youth Employment Agency (YEA), has stressed that tackling drug abuse in Ghana is a collective responsibility, urging traditional leaders and opinion leaders to take centre stage to prevent the issue from being politicised.
Speaking in an interview with the General Manager of Home Radio and Morning Show host, Umar Yakubu Kunateh, Basintale explained that political parties often shy away from decisive action against drug peddlers and addicts for fear of losing votes.
“It’s a collective responsibility, especially our chiefs; they must help us. When there is a theme to stop the drug menace, most often it becomes political, and when it becomes political, the politicians will run away,” he said.
“Let the NPP start arresting them, they will say ‘oh we will not vote for your party.’ Let the NDC start arresting them, they will say ‘I will not vote for your party.’ That is becoming a challenge and I think that our chiefs and opinion leaders must take centre stage on this. Let us help our brothers and sisters.”
Basintale proposed the establishment of rehabilitation centres as a key solution to the crisis. He outlined a six-month rehabilitation programme that would include spiritual and psychological support.
“We should have a rehabilitation centre, and take you there for six months. In the rehab centre there will be an imam, a pastor and counsellors to talk to them,” he added.
He further disclosed that the Youth Employment Agency is ready to support the recovery process by providing skills training.
“We at YEA will provide you with a master trainer so you can learn a skill and get a job after the six months.”
The comments come amid growing public concern over the devastating impact of drug abuse, particularly among the youth, with many warning that the country is losing brilliant minds to substances such as “Red”.
Basintale’s remarks highlight the urgent need for a non-partisan, community-driven approach involving traditional authorities, religious leaders, and government agencies to effectively combat the drug menace and reintegrate affected individuals into society.
By: Adil Fuseini
