Hon. Joseph Addae Akwaboa
Bono Regional Minister
Sunyani, Bono Region, Ghana
Subject: Urgent Call for Decisive Regional Action Against Drug Abuse and Youth Addiction
Dear Hon. Regional Minister,
I write with deep concern for the future of the Bono Region and with respect for your leadership as head of the Regional Security Council (REGSEC). While the region is known for its peace, industrious people, strong values, and development, the increasing abuse and trafficking of drugs among youth now threatens our stability and progress.
Communities across the Bono Region, from Sunyani to rural areas, are increasingly alarmed by the widespread use of marijuana and other dangerous substances among youth. What was once an isolated issue has become a regional crisis with serious implications for public health, security, economic growth, and social stability.
Many residents believe unemployment is driving some youth to drug abuse. While unemployment is a serious challenge requiring urgent solutions, addiction is not the answer. It destroys potential, weakens families, increases crime, and leads many promising youth into hopelessness and dependency.
A particularly troubling aspect of this crisis is the perception that some security personnel are compromising their duties. Residents in many communities allege that certain officers accept bribes or informal settlements, allowing offenders to avoid accountability and return to the streets. Such allegations, whether isolated or widespread, undermine public trust in law enforcement and embolden criminal networks.
As the political and security head of the Bono Region, your urgent and decisive leadership is needed. The region’s future depends on the quality, discipline, and productivity of its youth. Meaningful industrialization, investment, and economic transformation are not possible if many young people are trapped in addiction.
Drug abuse presents several major risks to the Bono Region:
- Health Crisis: Increased cases of drug-induced psychosis, mental health disorders, respiratory illnesses, and long-term neurological damage among young people.
- Security Threats: Rising connections between drug abuse and petty theft, armed robbery, violent crime, and community instability.
- Economic Decline: Addiction weakens the workforce and threatens the region’s ability to sustain industrial growth, entrepreneurship, agriculture, and institutional development.
- Social Breakdown: Families are being torn apart, and schools, churches, and communities struggle to address indiscipline and hopelessness among affected youth.
Recently, I raised concerns with the Bono Regional House of Chiefs, highlighting the urgent need for traditional authorities to actively partner to address this growing menace. The appeal recognized the vital role of Nananom in safeguarding the moral and social foundations of our communities.
The letter respectfully noted:
“If our youth, the inheritance of our ancestors, are lost to drugs, the peace and development we enjoy today will not last. We must act now to reclaim the Bono workforce and ensure the region’s future is managed by capable, healthy individuals.”
This warning requires serious attention.
Hon. Regional Minister, the government alone cannot resolve this crisis. A united regional response is needed, involving REGSEC, traditional leaders, religious institutions, schools, parents, youth organizations, and civil society groups.
I respectfully urge your office to consider the following practical measures:
1. Strengthen Partnership with the Bono Regional House of Chiefs
Collaborate with the Bono Regional House of Chiefs and all traditional authorities to declare a unified zero-tolerance stance against drug dens, trafficking, and criminal networks in their jurisdictions.
2. Launch a Regional Anti-Drug Task Force
Establish a coordinated regional anti-drug initiative with REGSEC, the Police Service, Immigration, Narcotics Control Commission, traditional authorities, and community leaders to intensify surveillance and enforcement.
3. Investigate Corruption Within Enforcement Structures
Ensure that any police or security personnel who compromise drug-related cases through bribery or interference are investigated and held accountable. Restoring public confidence in the security system is essential.
4. Re-Empower Community Watch Structures
Support the revival of local Asafo groups and community watch committees, supervised by chiefs and local authorities, to monitor suspicious activities and report offenders without fear or intimidation.
5. Invest in Prevention and Rehabilitation
Drug addiction should be addressed not only as a criminal issue but also as a public health and social development challenge. The region needs public education campaigns, rehabilitation support, counseling services, and youth empowerment initiatives.
6. Expand Youth Employment and Skills Training
While drug abuse is not a solution to unemployment, sustainable job creation and vocational opportunities can help redirect vulnerable youth toward productive livelihoods.
Hon. Regional Minister, history will judge this generation of leaders not only by the infrastructure built, but also by our efforts to protect the next generation from social destruction.
The Bono Region has the human capital, cultural strength, and traditional leadership to overcome this threat. Decisive action must begin now.
We respectfully urge your office to champion this cause and lead a united regional effort to protect youth, preserve public safety, and secure the future prosperity of the Bono Region.
May wisdom and courage guide your leadership.
Respectfully,
By Dr. Michael Abisa (Concerned Citizen of the Bono Region)
May 22, 2026
