Pass Narcotic Control Commission Bill Now To Avert Drug Abuse-Atebubu-Amantin MP

The Member of Parliament for Atebubu-Amantin in The Bono-Ahafo Region, Kofi Amoakohene has urged Parliament to The Narcotic Control Commission Bill, 2015 into law, to properly combat illicit drugs in Ghana.

He said “let me urge The Interior Minister and The Select Committee on Defence and Interior, The Interior and The Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee to see to the immediate passage of The Narcotic Control Commission Bill, 2015".

According to him, when The Bill is passed into Law, it will empower NACOB to become autonomous in the dispensation of its legally mandated duties. The MP made this submissions on the floor of Parliament on the occasion of the 2018 International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking marked today.

Each year, 26th June is marked as the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (World Drug Day).

It is a day set aside by UN to raise awareness about the effect drug abuse and illicit trafficking worldwide.

On this day member states are expected to organize sensitization programs that will enlighten the citizens on the dangers and negative effect of drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking.

In his statement, The MP called on parents, guardians and clergies to take keen interest in the well-being of the youth by monitoring their activities among their peers, schools and churches, stressing the point that…“parents serve as the first and most important models for their children, many children always seek to emulate their parents.  I therefore, urge parents to set the right examples and exhibit good deeds and manners to their children.  Parents should endeavour to listen, investigate and act promptly to issues raised by their children in this regard”.

He further called on parents to encourage their children to open up to issues pertaining to drugs and other immoral acts being suggested to them by their peers.

“When this friendship is established between parents and wards, it will help to compliment the campaign against drug abuse amongst the youth in the society. When parents and their children become sensitive to each other’s feelings, it will go a long way to build mutual trust and confidence”.

Touching on the controversial tramadol issue, Mr. Amoakohene stated that “this is a man-made (synthetic) narcotic analgesic (pain reliever) that is prescribed to patients suffering from severe pain. It is therefore licit narcotic, which is regulated and controlled substance”, adding that, “the current trend on the indiscriminate abuse of tramadol among the youth is worrying for the Nation”.

It is time that this Honourable House takes the necessary steps to control and properly regulates the ‘over the counter sales’ of this drugs, he suggested.

The 2018 celebration focuses on ‘Listen First-Listening to children and youth is the first step to help them grow healthy and save.

Story By: Edzorna Francis Mensah

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