The Adontenhene of Akuapem Traditional Council, HRH Otoobour Djan Kwasi II, has called on the Management of the Narcotics Control Commission through its Director-General, Brig Gen Maxwell Obuba Mantey, to put in place measures that would ensure to crack down on persons involved in the illicit drug trade and rising opioid abuse in the area.
HRH Djan Kwasi II, who is also the Divisional Chief of Aburi, expressed concern about the rate at which the youth in his jurisdiction are abusing drugs, leading to several health implications.
The Akuapem enclave has recently been cited to be a hub for drug peddlers and abusers, which has called for stakeholders’ attention.
Addressing the chiefs and people of Aburi in the Akuapem South Municipal of the Eastern Region during the 2025 annual edition of the Akuapem Adonten Odwira Festival last Saturday, where he made a passionate appeal to the Director-General to intervene in addressing the rising opioid abuse in the area, particularly “Red225”.
“The youth have taken to what is called Red and is all over the place. I will personally lead you to all the pubs and ghettos where these things are going on. It is a worry for me to see the youth engage in this. I call on you to take action now to save the future of our youth”. Adontehene said
The Director-General of NACOC, Brig Gen Maxwell Obuba Mantey, at a closed-door meeting with the chiefs and his elders, assured them of the Commission’s commitment to wean out persons noted to be in the act that is gradually destroying their lives.
He bemoaned the devastating rate at which most of the youth across the country are relying on drugs is alarming, and called on stakeholders to support the Commission to collectively curb the menace.
Brig Gen Obuba Mantey was accompanied by his Deputy Director-General in charge of Enforcement, Control and Elimination, Mr Alexander Twum-Berimah Esq, Director in charge of enforcement, Mr Stanley Eyo and Mr Mark Dei, Director in charge of regional operations.
The colourful event was attended by Ministers of State, Members of Parliament, Security Heads, and Chiefs across the region.
