The Minister for the Interior, Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak, has made a passionate appeal to religious leaders to use their platforms to preach against the growing phenomenon of drug abuse. 

Addressing a section of religious leaders as part of his three-day working visit to the Northern Region last Thursday, Alhaji Mubarak emphasised the crucial role the religious leaders played in shaping societal values and behaviour.

He, therefore, entreated them to join the campaign against the menace through the pulpit.

"Tamale, a city celebrated for its cultural vibrancy and industrious youth, cannot afford to let this menace erode our values or destroy our future.

“As religious leaders, your influence is invaluable — preach against it," he stressed.

Working visit

The minister’s call follows a recent BBC documentary that identified Tamale as a growing hub of illegal opioid abuse among the youth.

The religious leaders at the meeting

He embarked on the tour to familiarise himself with various stakeholders and assess the security situation in the region.

The visit was also aimed at fostering stronger collaboration between the ministry and key stakeholders to promote peace and development.

Skills development

In his remarks, Alhaji Mubarak further called on churches and mosques to organise skills training and mentorship initiatives for the youth who were idling to prevent them from engaging in drugs.

“Community-based initiatives such as counselling and rehabilitation programmes can play a crucial role in addressing drug abuse and promoting peacebuilding,” the minister said, adding that strengthening law enforcement agencies was key to nipping the illegal drug trade in the bud.

For his part, a Catholic Priest, Rev. Fr Dr Wilfred A. Agana, commended the ministry for engaging religious leaders in the fight against social vices.

“We are always ready to partner with the ministry to address disturbing issues, particularly in the Northern Region," he said.

The Chairman of the Northern Regional Muslim Council, Sheikh Alhassan Abukari Issah, also pledged the support of the Muslim community in the campaign to end drug abuse.