Chosen Rehab Center, a faith-based rehabilitation facility, has sensitized 3,000 second-cycle students of PRESEC Legon on the harmful effects of excessive drug use.

Speaking at the outreach program, Apostle Cobi Washington, Founder and Director of Chosen Rehab Center, called on the government to support rehabilitation centers across the country. He warned that Ghana’s youth are gradually becoming a liability to the state due to rising drug addiction.

To him, drug addiction poses a serious threat to the country’s economic growth, as many young people who should lead Ghana in the future are unable to contribute meaningfully to national development.

He noted that the situation is worsening daily, adding that the center receives clients as young as 12 years old who are already struggling with addiction and require rehabilitation.

Apostle Cobi called on the government to establish an office, if possible, to protect children and educate them on the harmful effects of drug use. He also urged security agencies to do more to prevent drugs from entering Ghana.

According to him, some children now bring drugs to school in their bags, and questioned where these drugs are coming from, saying that some agencies are not doing enough to stop them.

He therefore appealed to the government to take decisive action against drugs that are destroying the youth of this country. Apostle Washington also urged the church to create opportunities for rehabilitation centers to engage members, especially the youth, on the negative effects of drug abuse.

The Public Relations Officer (PRO) of Chosen Rehab Center, Noah King, said the initiative to visit schools and educate students on the harmful effects of drug abuse stems from a survey they conducted showing how drug addiction is gradually taking over the country.

“Many young people become addicted after being introduced to drugs during second-cycle education, making it necessary to engage them while they are still in school.”

He added that the center has already liaised with the Ministry of Education and the Narcotics Control Board to ensure the anti-drug abuse campaign becomes a nationwide program and is not limited to Accra alone.

Some students shared their experiences and the benefits of the programme. They also called on the organisers to extend the outreach to Junior High Schools, noting that drug abuse is becoming a serious problem in the country.

Report by Bernard K Dadzie Greater Accra Region