The South Tongu District Chief Executive (DCE), Hon. Victoria Dzeklo, has raised alarm over the increasing incidence of drug abuse among the youth in the district, describing the situation as worrying and harmful to their health.
Speaking at this year’s Eid-Ul-Fitr celebration in Sogakope, she called on religious bodies and organizations to join efforts in curbing the menace. The event drew hundreds of Muslim worshippers to the Planned Parenthood Association of Ghana (PPAG) Park, where they gathered for open prayers led by the Chief Imam of Sogakope, Alhaji Umar Osman. He thanked Allah for guiding them through the month-long fast and prayer, and the congregation offered special prayers for President John Dramani Mahama, national leaders, and all Ghanaians, regardless of their religious, social, or political affiliation.
Hon. Dzeklo attended the celebration with a four-member team of officials and Assembly Members, later joining female worshippers in prayer. The Member of Parliament (MP) for the area, Hon. Maxwell Kwame Lukutor, was represented by a six-member delegation led by Mr. Johnson Ampah, a former NDC Constituency Chairman.
In her address, Hon. Dzeklo commended the Muslim community for their resilience and sacrifices during Ramadan. She expressed gratitude for their prayers for the President and the nation, noting that such spiritual support contributes to the peace and harmony enjoyed under President Mahama’s leadership. She urged religious leaders to intensify education against drug abuse, stressing that it destroys the health of the youth and exposes them to severe complications. “We expect our religious organizations—Muslim, Christian, and traditional authorities—to take this issue up and help us educate our children to stop using drugs,” she emphasized.
Delivering the MP’s speech, Mr. Ampah praised Muslims for their role in national development and encouraged them to remain peaceful, law-abiding, and ambassadors of unity. The Chief Imam, Alhaji Umar Osman, also advised the youth to avoid indiscipline and negative acts such as stealing and robbery, urging them instead to focus on their work and lead exemplary lives.
Meanwhile, ASP Victor Mensah Seke, Tongu Divisional Commander of the Motor Traffic and Transport Division (MTTD), expressed concern about the persistent disregard for traffic regulations by motor riders and other road users. He warned that the police would strictly enforce the law, stating that excuses would no longer be tolerated.
To support the Ramadan festivities, the DCE and MP presented assorted food items, including rice, cooking oil, biscuits, and soft drinks, to the Muslim leadership.
