NorthEast Regional Director of the National Youth Authority (NYA), Kampi Laari Robert, has described the abuse and misuse of drugs as an “enemy” to national development, particularly in the North East Region.

He has therefore urged young people to shun the practice.

He made the call during the “Walk for Life Campaign Against Drug Abuse,” held in Nalerigu, where he said the menace of drug abuse continues to raise serious concerns among parents, guardians, and duty bearers, stressing the need for urgent action by all stakeholders.

“As a body mandated to champion the interests of young people, we thought it wise to undertake this campaign to raise more awareness on its effects in the region,” he stated.

Mr. Laari emphasised that drug abuse not only destroys lives but also deprives the region of the energy and creativity of its youth, who were expected to be agents of socio-economic growth.

“Drug abuse is an enemy to the overall development of our region, and we must all wage war against it. I want to challenge the youth to see beyond their present challenges. They must know that drugs may give them temporary pleasure, but their long-term repercussions far outweigh them,” he added.

The sensitisation walk, organised by the NYA in collaboration with the Taskforce of the Nalerigu Youth Association and security agencies, sought to educate young people on the harmful effects of drug abuse and to mobilise community support to tackle the menace.

The event, which also formed part of NYA’s activities to mark Founders’ Day celebration in the country, witnessed sections of youth groups marching through some principal streets of Nalerigu carrying placards with inscriptions such as "The next President of Ghana may be you; don't let drugs like Red and Tramadol abort your dreams", "Chale, drugs no be vibe; focus be the real deal," among others.

The Directorate, as part of the campaign, also engaged community radio stations to sensitise members of the public on the dangers of the abuse of drugs.

The Regional Director also gave a hint about plans by the Directorate to extend the campaign to every district in the region to ensure wider coverage and rescue the youth from the dangers of drug abuse.