Interior Minister advocates private funds to fight drug abuse

Mr William Kwasi Aboah, Minister of the Interior, on Wednesday appealed to the private sector to support non–governmental organisations (NGOs) in establishing a drug abuse fund to effectively combat the drug menace.

He said the fund could be solely managed by the NGOs but supervised by the Narcotics Control Board (NACOB).

This was contained in a speech read on his behalf at Hwidiem in the Asutifi South District of Brong Ahafo Region, on Wednesday at the launch of the report of the International Narcotic Control Board (INCB) for 2011 at Hwidiem in Asutifi South District of Brong Ahafo Region.

The event was attended by students of some senior high and junior high schools and teachers in the district.

Mr Aboah said government is genuinely committed to tackle the drug menace and had raised the standard and bar for tackling the menace both in terms of supply, control and demand reduction.

Mr Kwadwo Nyamekye Marfo, Regional Minister who launched the report, expressed gratitude to the media for the good work they have done so far in bringing awareness about the dangers of the drug menace.

The regional minister assured the international community of the government’s preparedness to forge global partnership to combat the narcotics canker.

Sheikh Ishaaq Nuamah, Board Member of NACOB, noted that the youth as future leaders of the country needed to be protected from harmful drugs.

He expressed concern that the indulgence of the youth in drug abuse had been made worsened by the proliferation of internet cafes.

He said there are challenges confronting the fight against illegal drugs and appealed to politicians, opinion leaders and traditional authorities to spearhead the campaign against the practice.

A draft bill on the menace has been submitted to Parliament awaiting passage into law, Sheik Nuamah said and advised the youth to be disciplined and avoid the harmful effects of illegal drugs.

Source: GNA