Joyous Eidul al-Adha prayers echoed across the Gyarko Community Day SHS Park today as hundreds of Muslims from the Techiman Metropolis gathered to celebrate one of Islam's two holiest festivals.

However, the spirit of sacrifice and community was underscored by a powerful and urgent message from religious and civic leaders: a clarion call for the youth to reject the devastating scourge of drug abuse.

Metropolitan Chief Imam of the Ahlussunna Wal Jama’a, Imam Iddrisu Suleman, who led the congregational prayers, used his sermon to deliver a stern admonition specifically targeting young Muslims.

He branded the abuse of illicit drugs as a pervasive "canker" eating away at the fabric of the nation, declaring these substances "much more dangerous than alcohol" – a vice already widely abhorred within the Islamic faith.

"On this sacred day of Eidul Adha, which commemorates ultimate obedience and sacrifice, I implore our youth," Imam Suleman stated forcefully. "Turn away completely from the path of drug abuse. This poison is destroying lives, families, and our collective future here in Techiman and across Ghana. It represents a betrayal of your faith, your potential, and your community. Its danger surpasses even that which we already reject."

The Imam's stark warning resonated deeply within the large gathering, framing the fight against narcotics not just as a social or health issue, but as a critical religious obligation and act of communal preservation.

Echoing the Imam's sentiments moments later, the Mayor of Techiman, Agyei Mensah, stepped forward to add the weight of civic authority to the religious plea. Mayor Mensah unequivocally endorsed Imam Suleman's message, emphasising the broader societal impact of drug abuse.

"The Chief Imam has spoken a profound and necessary truth," Mayor Mensah declared. "Drug abuse is not merely a challenge; it is a social and economic disaster crippling our beloved Techiman. It fuels crime, devastates health, and squanders the immense potential of our young generation. I stand firmly with the Imam today. To every citizen, and especially our youth: heed this call. Choose your future, your family, and your productivity over the destructive allure of drugs. The Techiman Municipal Assembly is committed to supporting initiatives that provide alternatives and steer our youth clear of this menace."

The combined voices of Techiman's highest religious and civic leaders delivering the same potent message during the Eidul al-Adha congregation marked a significant moment of unity on a critical issue.

While the day continued with traditional festivities, the sharing of sacrificial meat, warm embraces, and children adorned in new clothes, the solemn warning against the drug "canker" lingered as a defining theme, transforming the celebration into a platform for urgent community action.

Attendees expressed strong support for the dual message. "It was powerful hearing both our Imam and our Mayor speak as one on this," said Fatawu Abdulai, a parent.

"Our children need to hear this, especially on a day like Eid, when we reflect on sacrifice for a greater good. Staying away from drugs is a sacrifice worth making."

The event highlighted how Eidul al-Adha, beyond its religious significance, served as a vital platform for Techiman's leadership to address a pressing national crisis directly affecting its youth and future.