The Adolescent Parliament in Sunyani, Ghana, has issued a compelling call to action, urging the Inspector General of Police to intervene and dismantle the burgeoning network of illicit marijuana smoking and trafficking dens proliferating within the municipality. This appeal, voiced during a community forum, underscores the alarming escalation of marijuana use among young people, a trend the parliament identifies as a significant driver of crime, sexual abuse, and teenage pregnancies. The parliament’s Speaker, Master Daniel Frimpong-Sarkodie, highlighted specific locations within the municipality, including the Nana Bosoma Central Market, the Sunyani Zongo community, and Sunyani Newtown enclaves, as hotspots for these activities. The parliament’s concern reflects a growing unease about the detrimental impact of this illicit trade on the well-being and future of the municipality’s youth.
Established by the Global Media Foundation (GloMeF), a media advocacy non-governmental organization, under its Resilient City for Adolescents (RC4A) project, the Adolescent Parliament serves as a platform for young voices. GloMeF, a non-profit organization specializing in social and behavior change communication, rights-based advocacy, and evidence-based research, implements inclusive development programs targeting vulnerable groups, including young people, women, and children. The parliament’s call to action is a testament to GloMeF’s commitment to empowering adolescents and giving them a voice in matters directly affecting their lives. The parliament’s appeal for police intervention emphasizes the urgency of addressing the escalating drug problem and its devastating consequences on the youth.
Master Frimpong-Sarkodie’s address painted a stark picture of the growing number of young people, both boys and girls, succumbing to substance abuse. This addiction, he argued, impairs their mental faculties and judgment, making them vulnerable to exploitation and risky behaviors. The parliament’s plea to the police administration to identify and dismantle these marijuana dens reflects a deep concern for the future of the youth and the overall well-being of the community. The parliament recognizes that unchecked drug activity poses a significant threat to the safety and security of the municipality and undermines efforts to create a healthy and productive environment for young people.
The parliament’s concerns are echoed by other community leaders, highlighting the widespread recognition of this growing problem. Nana Konama Dompe I, the Kyidomhemaa (sub-queen) of the Sunyani Traditional Area, expressed particular concern about the situation at the Nana Bosoma Central Market, where drug activity not only affects young people but also threatens the safety and security of traders and customers. Her appeal to the police underscores the need for immediate action to address this issue before it further escalates and negatively impacts the economic and social fabric of the community.
Mr. Kwaku Ayittey, the Assembly Member for the Sunyani Area One Electoral Area, further amplified the community’s concerns, emphasizing the increasing difficulty parents face in controlling their adolescent children due to the pervasiveness of drug abuse. He also highlighted the rise in sexual perversion among the youth, urging stakeholders to intervene before the situation spirals out of control. His call to action emphasizes the need for a collaborative approach involving parents, community leaders, law enforcement, and social service organizations to effectively address these complex issues and provide support to vulnerable young people.
The Adolescent Parliament’s advocacy is a key component of the RC4A project, a £300,000 initiative funded by the Swiss Botnar Foundation. This project aims to improve the lives of adolescents in Ghana, reaching approximately 1,500 directly and 3,000 indirectly. By providing a platform for young people to voice their concerns and participate in decision-making processes, the project empowers them to become agents of change in their communities. The parliament’s call to action regarding the marijuana problem demonstrates the project’s commitment to addressing real-world challenges faced by young people and advocating for solutions that promote their well-being and create a safer and more resilient community. The collaboration between the Adolescent Parliament, GloMeF, and the Swiss Botnar Foundation signifies a powerful partnership dedicated to improving the lives of adolescents and empowering them to shape their future.
