The National Youth Authority (NYA) in the Ahafo Region has convened a major regional conference at Ahafoman Senior High and Technical School in Goaso as part of its nationwide 'Red Alert – Red Means Stop' campaign to combat rising drug misuse among young people.

Students from Sankore SHS, Mim SHS and other second-cycle institutions across the region joined the advocacy event held on the theme, “Be the Next Generation to Stop Drug Abuse.”

Ahafo Regional NYA Director Nicolas Sowah said the initiative forms part of a broader strategic effort by the Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment and the NYA to curb the growing exposure of young people to harmful and unprescribed substances.

He announced that the programme will be replicated in Hwediem for Asutifi North and South students and in Duayaw-Nkwanta for learners in Tano North and South Municipalities.

Mr. Sowah noted that the campaign prioritises education on the risks associated with misusing substances such as shisha, marijuana, tramadol, opioids and other unregulated products.

“The future development and leadership of the Ahafo Region depend heavily on our young people. We must therefore equip them with the knowledge and courage to avoid harmful substances,” he emphasised.

He also appealed for the establishment of a well-resourced regional rehabilitation centre to support individuals affected by substance misuse.

Assistant Narcotics Desk Officer Davies Owusu Bempah from the Ahafo Regional Command’s Drug Demand Reduction Unit highlighted the ongoing efforts to prevent illicit drugs from reaching the Ghanaian market.

He explained that although official land, sea and air borders are closely monitored, traffickers continue to exploit unapproved local routes. “Our mandate is to strengthen surveillance and disrupt the inflow and outflow of illegal drugs. The community’s vigilance is key,” he said.

A National Anti-drug Campaigner, Alhaji Kofi Kontor, cautioned the students that consuming any medication without a professional prescription constitutes abuse and places young people at serious health risk.

He warned that rapid industrial expansion in the Ahafo Region, particularly in mining and timber, has exposed many youths to environments where substance misuse is becoming more common. “Education and early intervention remain our strongest tools,” he stressed.

Mr. Kontor also urged regulatory bodies to intensify enforcement against unlicensed over-the-counter medicine sellers and individuals involved in illegal drug distribution.

“We need strong institutional commitment to dismantle drug-abuse hotspots and protect young Ghanaians from preventable harm,” he said.

The conference ended with a renewed call for collaboration among schools, traditional authorities, security agencies and community leaders to build a safer, drug-free future for the region’s youth.