The Northern Regional Minister Abdallah Abubakar has called on parents in the northern region to provide parental care and guidance to their children on the dangers of drug trafficking and addiction.
Mr Abubakar said most parents do not care about what their children eat or where they sleep, emphasizing that the time has come for them to discard the notion that it is God that takes care of children.
The call was made in a speech read on his behalf by the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Sagnarigu, Alhassan Mohammed Sorigudoo to mark the World Drugs Day observation in Tamale.
By UN Resolution 42/112 of 1987, the United Nations’ General Assembly decided to observe the 26th day of June each year as the International Day against Drugs and illicit Trafficking.
This was an expression of its determination to strengthen action and co-operation to achieve the goal of an international society free of drug abuse. The theme for this year’s celebration was ‘’Listen First: Drug Prevention among the Youth and Children’’.
The theme sought to sensitize parents to cultivate the habit of listening to their children in all their concerns which is the first step to help them grow and live healthily and stay safe. He said government is targeting at prevention, which is an effective investment in the well-being of children, youth, families and communities.
The Narcotics Control Board (NACOB) was established by the Government of Ghana in 1990 to educate the public against the use of drugs as well as fight the trafficking of drugs. NACOB has consistently and effectively partnered with the International Community in various ways to combat the drug menace both within and outside the African continent.
The occasion was organized by the Narcotics Control Board with support from Basic Needs Ghana and was attended by second cycle schools in the metropolis, representatives of the Ghana Immigration Service, the police and prison officers.
Mr Abubakar appealed to traditional authorities and other well- meaning opinion leaders to report those who cultivate these drugs to law enforcement agencies for action
Addressing participants, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Northern Regional Police Command, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Ebernezer Tetteh, who represented the Northern Regional Police Command stated emphatically that the Command has taken note of the fact that the uncontrolled use and trafficking of illicit drugs can be one of the triggers and early warning signals for violence before, during and after the upcoming general election and has accordingly put in strict measures to combat the menace.
By; Lilian D.Walter/zaaradio.com