WE ARE LOSING OUR YOUTH TO DRUGS — CHIEF WARNS

AKYEM KORADASO, E/R- The Chief of Akyem Koradaso in the Fanteakwa North District of the Eastern Region, Barima Amoako Ntim, has warned that Ghana risks losing a significant portion of its youth to drug abuse if urgent and drastic measures are not taken.

According to him, the situation could have serious implications for the country’s human resources within the next 20 years, particularly as fewer young people are showing interest in apprenticeship programmes.

He also expressed concern that foreigners are increasingly taking over spaces traditionally occupied by local artisans.

Speaking on the sidelines of this year’s festival celebration in Akyem Koradaso, Barima Amoako Ntim said he would prioritise proper planning and the development of appropriate layouts in the community.

He said efforts would also be made to educate residents on the importance of obeying the law, while appealing to the government to grant traditional authorities greater powers to help maintain law and order within their respective jurisdictions.

Touching on the growing drug menace, the Chief cautioned that failure to address the problem urgently could lead to the country losing a significant number of its young people to drug abuse over the next two decades.

He said the development could negatively affect Ghana’s future workforce, noting that it is already becoming increasingly difficult to attract young people into apprenticeship training.

He further observed that foreigners are gradually occupying spaces that were traditionally filled by Ghanaian artisans.

Meanwhile, the Nsoatremanhene, Obrempong Adjei-Korang Kusi, has urged the chiefs and people of Akyem Koradaso to unite to promote peace and love in the community to accelerate development.

He said unity remains one of the greatest assets any community can have.

The Queen Mother of Koradaso, Nana Kyerewaa Amponsah, also appealed to the government to establish a technical or vocational school in the community to equip the youth with employable skills.

She further called for the construction of a health facility, explaining that the community currently has no health centre to provide basic healthcare services to residents.

The festival also provided an opportunity for the community to officially outdoor four newly installed sub-chiefs.

Speaking on behalf of the chiefs, the Mmrantehene, Baffour Nana Kofi Adarkwa, identified unemployment as one of the major challenges confronting the youth in the community.

He said the chiefs had already begun advocating for job opportunities to be created in the area to help address the situation.

Baffour Nana Kofi Adarkwa noted that despite the high level of unemployment among the youth, the community had resolved not to engage in illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.

According to him, the decision has helped protect the community’s water bodies and keep them clean and safe.

He assured that the traditional authorities would continue working to create opportunities for the youth and prevent them from engaging in social vices.