Eze Chukwudi Jude Ihenetu launches war against drug trafficking and abuse
The Ezeigbo Ghana Foundation has begun an initiative towards combating illicit drug trafficking and abuse in the country.
Among the steps taken include various events geared towards increasing awareness about the menace and educating the masses on the possibility of eliminating drug abuse among some members of the public especially the youth.
To this effect, a health walk was organized on May 27, 2023, by the nonprofit organization in the La community, through to the palm wine junction area all the way to the El-Wak Sports Stadium, Accra, where it finally ended.
During the exercise, flyers with messages on dangers of drug abuse were distributed by participants to the various community members who were attracted by the large crowd of youthful participants of the walk.
The paramount Chief of the Igbo community in Ghana, Ambassador Chukwudi Jude Ihenetu, Founder of the Foundation, who led the exercise, in an interview with the Ghanaian Times underscored the need for every member of the Ghanaian society to rise up to the task of fighting drug abuse in the country.
He stated that to successfully win the battle against the menace, all stakeholders must come onboard and find a lasting solution to this “pressing social problem.”
Ignoring the rate of illicit drug trafficking and abuse, he said would only worsen the problem.
He described addiction to drugs as devastating, saying the practice could lead to severe health issues.
“Research has shown that substance abuse can cause organ damage, cardiovascular problems, respiratory issues and neurological disorders. This kind of addiction also has the tendency to completely take over a person’s life, leading to intensive craving and compulsive drug-seeking behavior so the fact that we have many young people indulging in such acts makes it scary and heartbreaking because no nation wants to lose their vibrant youth to drug abuse.”
“This is the reason why the Ezeigbo Ghana Foundation has taken it upon itself to launch this initiative. I entreat everybody to come onboard and join us win the fight against this problem. It is possible, together we can do this,” he added.
He bemoaned that many drug abusers often resort to desperate measures such as stealing or engaging in all forms of illegal activities just to obtain the drugs they seek.
The financial strain brought about as a result of substance abuse, he said could even lead debt and overall instability, affecting both the person misusing the drugs and their loved ones.
However, Eze Ihenetu mentioned that drug addicts could seek professional help to aid them quit the habit and save their lives.
“There is hope for individuals struggling with drug addiction so let us all come together and create awareness about the situation, its dangers and how people can get help,” he stressed.
He also appealed to the security agencies in the country to deal mercilessly with drug traffickers when caught, to severe as a deterrent to others.
BY RAISSA SAMBOU
