The Upper East Regional Minister, Mr. Akamugri Donatus Atanga, has expressed deep concern over the rising trend of drug and alcohol abuse among the youth in the region, cautioning that such practices only worsen personal struggles instead of resolving them.
In a documentary titled “Swallowed by Drugs” with Apexnewsgh’s Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen, the Minister likened the reliance on drugs and alcohol as a way of coping with stress to “postponing problems.”
“If you are seeing that you are stressed, and for that matter, you want to go under the influence of drugs or alcohol to free yourself, you are simply postponing that stress,” he warned. “Because when the influence of the drug is over, then you have worsened your situation.”
Instead, Hon Atanga encouraged young people to channel their energy into productive activities. “I would want to advise that you should concentrate on your academic activities and other professions. If you are into crafts, focus on that. When you concentrate on that, it can take you out of your troubles far better than alcohol or drugs,” he said.
The Minister further urged the youth to draw inspiration from those who have overcome hardship, rather than imitating negative examples. “Don’t allow the people who have lost their way to influence you. Rather, look for the successful people to join,” he advised.
The Regional Minister did not spare parents from responsibility, stressing that family attitudes often shape the choices children make. He noted that dismissing or ignoring children’s concerns could push them toward substance abuse.
“Sometimes, as parents, we push them into these things. If you knock at them whenever they raise concerns, they feel nobody minds them in society. Then they resign themselves to taking drugs so they can take comfort and adapt,” he explained.
He urged parents to adopt open dialogue, counseling, and positive mentorship for their children. “When you see them taking drugs, sit them down, look for counselors, or help them associate with people of good character,” he advised.
The Minister also pointed to the increasing availability of unregulated pharmacies and drinking spots as fueling the crisis.
“Now you have pharmacies everywhere, some not properly regulated, where hard drugs can be accessed easily. You also have drinking spots all over, which makes alcohol too available,” he observed.
He recommended stricter measures by local assemblies to regulate sales. “Assemblies should pass by-laws to supervise the sale of alcohol and the operation of pharmacies. Regular inspections must be done to ensure the drugs sold are wholesome,” he said, adding that such interventions would help reduce abuse.
As “father of the region,” Hon. Atanga concluded with an appeal to the youth to resist the lure of substance abuse and invest in their future.
“There is not only one person who faces difficulties. Others have faced even worse situations and overcome. If you put your time to proper use, you will sustain yourself and rise above depression and hardship,” he reminded.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com
