Queen Namawu Bimuka, the 2024 Queen of the North TV Reality Show winner, launched a crucial anti-drug abuse campaign at the Buipewura Jinapor II’s palace. This initiative aims to combat the escalating drug abuse problem among Savannah Region youth. The event united traditional leaders, government officials, educators, students, and community members in a concerted effort to address this pressing issue. Queen Namawu leveraged her platform to emphasize the urgent need to shield young people from the detrimental effects of drug addiction, marking a significant step towards community mobilization against substance abuse.
The campaign launch served as a focal point for addressing the devastating impact of drugs like tramadol, kush, and codeine on communities. Queen Namawu, in a poignant address, brought attention to the rising drug-related arrests and mental health cases, citing data from the Ghana Narcotics Control Commission. Her statement, “Our youth are the roots of our future. If we lose them, we lose our tomorrow,” encapsulated the gravity of the situation and the long-term consequences of inaction. Her appeal for collective action, directed at parents, teachers, religious leaders, and government officials, underscored the shared responsibility in combating this societal challenge.
His Royal Majesty Buipewura Jinapor II, the event’s host, affirmed his unwavering support for the campaign, aligning it with his personal commitment to fighting drug abuse. His pledge to ensure the project’s full implementation signaled a strong leadership commitment to tackling this crisis. This high-level endorsement adds significant weight to the campaign and promises crucial support for its success within the community. The Buipewura’s involvement demonstrates the importance of traditional leadership in addressing contemporary social issues.
The campaign’s launch followed a prior stakeholder meeting held at the palace, which laid the groundwork for concerted action against the drug menace. Queen Namawu viewed the meeting as a beacon of hope, and her campaign serves as a continuation of the dialogue and collaborative efforts initiated during that gathering. This indicates a sustained and strategic approach to combating drug abuse, built upon community engagement and collaborative planning. The prior meeting highlights the importance of inclusive discussions in addressing complex social problems.
Abdul-Latif Alhassan, Executive Director of Celebrities Charity Development Foundation, amplified the call to action, urging a nationwide movement to combat drug abuse among Ghanaian youth. His impassioned plea transcended awareness-raising, advocating for the “SAY NO TO DRUGS” Campaign to evolve into a powerful movement to reclaim young lives from the grip of addiction. He emphasized that inaction constitutes complicity and betrayal, underscoring the moral imperative to intervene and protect the nation’s future. Mr. Alhassan’s powerful message resonated with the audience, adding further momentum to the campaign’s call for national action.
The District Chief Executive for Central Gonja District echoed concerns about the increasing prevalence of youth drug addiction in the region, pledging collaboration with all stakeholders to apprehend drug peddlers and facilitate rehabilitation for addicts. This commitment to practical measures, combined with community collaboration, suggests a multi-pronged approach to tackling both the supply and demand sides of the drug problem. The event culminated in a collective pledge to confront the drug crisis head-on, paving the way for a safer and healthier future for the youth of the Savannah Region. The collective pledge symbolizes a unified commitment to action and fosters a sense of shared responsibility in addressing this critical issue.
