The Parish Priest of St Peter's Catholic Church in Kenyasi in the Ahafo region, Rev Fr Samuel Osei Kufour, has solicited the collaboration of stakeholders in the area to end the surge of abuse and trading of illegal drugs and substances by the youth.

According to the preacher, some concerned residents have continuously reported the abuse of cocaine, tramadol, Indian hemp and onoied (Red) by the youth on local radio stations and Information centres.

The Parish Priest indicated that some young persons in Kenyasi and its environs have been spotted smoking and possessing illegal substances and drugs in their homes, at social gatherings, on the street, pubs and eateries, among others, while residents look on unperturbed.

In an interview with JoyNews on Tuesday, April 15, in Kenyasi, on the surge of illicit drugs and substance abuse and trading in the Asutifi North district, he bemoaned how no robust action has been taken by authorities to end the menace.

"Chiefs, opinion leaders, members of the clergy, media, parents and teachers, the various security agencies, district assembly, and the various youth groups must join hands in ending the worrying menace", he appealed.

As parents, guardians and teachers, Rev Fr Osei Kufour noted, "we have a special role to cater for the physical, spiritual, emotional and social development, protection and guidance of the children God has given to us, saying, we will account for it".

The Priest emphasised the significance of Easter as the sacrifice of Jesus Christ to atone for the sins of mankind, to bring lasting peace and harmony between God and man.

"Man's deeds must be in tune with the purpose of the death to deserve a right place in judgement", he noted.

He has therefore admonished residents of the region, especially young persons and communities affected by Newmont mining, to use their God-given strength and talents prudently to benefit current and future generations.

The Priest reiterated that the regular consumption of such drugs and substances has dire consequences on the health and socio-cultural life of the affected persons, adding "you can't be a future leader when you are destroyed by drugs".

Rev Fr Osei Kufour entreated the youth to focus on future development and aspirations, including the pursuit of education, learning of apprenticeship and other skills and knowledge to live a quality life someday.