Paragraph 1: The Launch of a Crucial Campaign
Nii Annan Adzor, the Chief of Ashaiman, initiated a critical campaign on April 16, 2025, to combat the escalating opioid crisis within his jurisdiction. This campaign, titled "Stop Red Before It Stops You," specifically targeted the highly addictive substance known locally as "Wonim Red," believed to be a potent mixture of tramadol and other psychoactive substances. The campaign launch featured a vibrant float procession that traversed key areas of Ashaiman, including Jericho Road, Main Station, Lebanon Zone, Valco Flat, Official Town, Middle East, Zongo Laka, and Night Market, culminating at the Ashaiman Municipal Assembly. This strategic route maximized community engagement, utilizing music, placards, and public education to disseminate the message of drug abuse prevention.
Paragraph 2: A Collaborative Effort to Address a Growing Threat
The "Stop Red Before It Stops You" campaign represents a collaborative effort involving various stakeholders. The Ashaiman Traditional Council, Ashaiman Municipal Assembly, Ashaiman Education Directorate, Ashaiman Police Command, and Ashaiman Muslim Community all joined forces with the Nii Annang Adzor Foundation (NAAF) to address this pressing issue. Additionally, the Kaysens Group and the House of St. Francis Alcohol and Drug Addiction Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre provided support, highlighting the campaign’s broad base of community involvement. This collaborative approach underscores the seriousness of the opioid crisis and the collective determination to protect the community, especially its youth, from its devastating consequences.
Paragraph 3: The Chief’s Call to Action: Addressing a "Ticking Time Bomb"
Addressing the gathering at the Ashaiman Municipal Assembly, Chief Nii Annan Adzor condemned the rising opioid abuse, characterizing the situation as a "ticking time bomb" that threatens the future of the youth. He emphasized the urgency of the situation, highlighting the devastating physical and mental health consequences associated with "Wonim Red." The chief’s impassioned plea called for immediate action, urging strengthened border surveillance to prevent drug smuggling and advocating for a united front against opioid abuse. He specifically called on religious bodies, politicians, educational institutions, and civil society organizations to join the fight, recognizing that a multifaceted approach is essential to effectively combat the opioid crisis.
Paragraph 4: Engaging the Community and Amplifying the Message
Chief Nii Annan Adzor stressed the importance of community-wide participation, particularly engaging schoolchildren as ambassadors in the campaign. He emphasized the vulnerability of children, especially during school breaks like the approaching Easter holiday, urging them to carry the message of drug prevention to their families and communities. Furthermore, he called upon influencers and social media users to leverage their platforms to amplify the campaign’s message. The Chief’s focus on community engagement highlights the crucial role that every individual plays in combating this societal issue. He also addressed the issue of porous borders and the ease with which drugs enter the country, urging authorities to take decisive action to stem the flow of these harmful substances into Ashaiman.
Paragraph 5: A Multi-pronged Approach to Eradication: Partnerships and Actionable Steps
The Chief’s address detailed a multi-pronged approach to combating drug abuse, emphasizing the need for collaboration between various sectors of society. He called upon religious leaders to extend their influence beyond the pulpit, engaging directly with youth in the community. He identified known drug hotspots like Ashaiman Lebanon, Jericho, and the irrigation site, urging law enforcement to intensify operations in these areas. He also emphasized the importance of prevention, suggesting educational programs and community outreach to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse. The Chief’s comprehensive strategy reflects a commitment to both immediate intervention and long-term preventative measures.
Paragraph 6: The Church’s Commitment and Continued Community Engagement
Apostle Prince Philip Amanor, Chairman of the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC) in Ashaiman, pledged the support of the Christian community in the fight against drug abuse. He echoed the Chief’s concerns about the devastating impact of drug abuse on the youth, describing it as a "looming disaster." He recounted disturbing observations of drug-induced behavior among young people, emphasizing the urgent need for intervention. He attributed the crisis to peer pressure and social media influences, urging caution and discernment among the youth. He committed to integrating anti-drug messages into church youth programs and highlighted the importance of continued community engagement, especially utilizing the Easter convention as a platform for education and awareness. The commitment of the church, alongside other community stakeholders, underscores the collective determination to address this pressing issue and protect the future of Ashaiman’s youth.
