Schools Now Drug Dens - Minister

THE Minister of the Interior, Dr Kwame Addo Kufuor, has lamented about the rate at which the country's educational institutions have been turned into drug dens and has called on all stakeholders to help nip the problem in the bud.

He said that an increasing number of students in secondary schools in the country are using drugs, but he did not give any statistics.

Dr Kufuor who expressed this concern in a speech read on his behalf at this year's International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking celebration at Tamale on Thursday, alleged that drugs are sold openly on many of the school campuses.

The theme for this year's celebration was, "Do drugs control your life?", a theme which he said is most appropriate considering the current world-wide use of illegal drugs.

"The impunity with which illicit drugs selling points are openly located and advertised within the vicinity of our educational institutions is appalling", the minister said.

Dr Addo Kufuor said the survival of the country was in the hands of the youth and if the youth were engaged in illicit drugs then it was only God who can save the country.

The minister, called on politicians to desist from accusations and counter accusations and instead team up to fight the canker.

"The current drug situation cannot be laid exclusively at the doorsteps of any one political party, it is our collective responsibility to find solution to it," Dr Addo Kufuor said.

He reaffirmed the government's commitment to finding lasting solution to the menace.

Dr Addo Kufuor mentioned the restructuring of the Narcotics Control Board and the setting up of Mrs Justice Georgina Wood's committee as some of the measures to address the problem.

He thereby entreated family heads and community leaders to protect their families against drugs abuse.

The Northern Regional Minister, Alhaji Mustapha Ali Idris, said the choice of the area for the celebration was not by accident because the region is gradually becoming notorious for all types of harmful drugs.

He was of the opinion that the celebration of the day in the area would help reduce the menace.

The Executive Secretary of the Narcotic Control Board, Mr Ben Botwe, said though the board had chalked some successes there was much to be done.