The Deputy Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Rita Naa Odorley Sowah, has urged traditional, religious, opinion leaders and parents in the country to device pragmatic ways of tackling rising youth substance abuse in the communities.
This approach, she emphasised, would enable the authorities seek workable interventions to support the victims while preventing potential addicts from engaging in it.
“As pastors, chiefs, chief Imams and opinion leaders in the communities, we must draw closer to these youths in their homes, hideouts and enquire the best ways to make them profitable to themselves, family and the society through mentoring systems, livelihood skills training and youth friendly networks, among others ” she advised.
The Deputy Minister, who is also the Member of Parliament (MP) for La Dade-Kotopon Constituency, was speaking at the 2025 Afrimi Yam festival by the Abese La-Adonten held on Last Tuesday.
The event was on the theme: ‘Empowering Ghanaian youth: breaking the chains of drug abuse through cultural heritage and community support.’
The occasion was used also to honour her for her dedication to service and other roles she played as the first Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for the La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly (LaDMA).
She was also appreciated for her role in uplifting the image of the constituency as well as her outstanding performance in governance.
The Minister also stressed the need for community leaders to seek ways to reintegrate the youth who are addicted to come out while putting up measures to engage them in gainful ventures to securing their future.
“Engaging the youth in most cultural activities will reignite the spirit of identity and perseverance, among others which are values which strengthen the individual from succumbing to destructive influences” she stated.
Furthermore, the Minister mentioned the establishment of youth resource centres in all regions, the expansion of vocational, digital and entrepreneurial training programmes, reforming labour laws and amplifying youth participation in local governance, planning and decision-making processes as few strategic investment measures geared towards youth empowerment in the country.
Ms Sowah said her ministry was dedicated to decentralising community-led solutions for youth development and substance abuse prevention.
She was presented with a citation and a plaque as a gesture in recognition of her achievement.
Again, Ms Sowah donated undisclosed cash to support the programme and thanked the group for the honour granted to her as she is still alive, adding that she will put in her best as a woman and also the daughter from the constituency.
As part of the event, Former MP for the constituency, Nii Amasa Namoale, Former MCE, Solomon Kotey Nikoi, Nii Ayikoi Otoo, a Lawyer and politician and other dignitaries from La were also honoured with a citation and plaque.
BY VICTOR A. BUXTON
