In the heart of Tamale, Northern Region, a powerful movement is taking shape, driven by the relentless commitment of GEM-GHANA to secure a healthier, more promising future for Ghana’s youth, particularly those in Basic Schools . On a bright morning, under the inspiring banner of “Break The Chains; Together For A Drug-free Life,” GEM-GHANA launched a transformative drug abuse awareness campaign.
The campaign aims to liberate the region’s youth from the clutches of the current rising incidence of drug addiction in the region and across Ghana. With the evocative tagline “Building Dreams, Breaking Chains,” the campaign seeks to not only raise awareness but also ignite a nationwide movement dedicated to eradicating the scourge of drug abuse amongst the youth in the country.
The Urgent Need for Action
Madam Hawa Benedicta Yakubu, GEM-GHANA’s Executive Director, during an interaction with the puipls said, “GEM-GHANA’s campaign comes at a crucial time when drug abuse is increasingly threatening the potential of Ghana’s young population. In communities across the country, especially in the Northern Region, where the rise in substance abuse among youth is alarming.” She added that it destroys lives, tears families apart, and stifles the dreams of countless young people. Recognising this, GEM-GHANA has stepped forward to confront the issue head-on, with the hope of restoring hope and rebuilding lives.
The Campaign’s Vision
“Break The Chains; Together For A Drug-free Life” is not just a campaign; it is a clarion call to action. The campaign kicked off with an outreach at Ola Junior High School in Kukuo, a suburb of Tamale, where students are currently having vacation extra-class and we took some time to discuss the dangers of drug abuse with them. This outreach is just the beginning of a larger, more ambitious plan to scale the campaign to all 16 regions of Ghana. By providing educational resources, counselling, and support systems, GEM-GHANA aims to build a robust framework that empowers communities to fight drug abuse from within.
Why This Campaign Matters
This campaign represents a unique opportunity for donors, corporate bodies, and stakeholders both local and international to make a lasting impact. Supporting GEM-GHANA in this endeavour means contributing to a cause that has the potential to transform the future of an entire generation. The campaign’s emphasis on education, community involvement, and sustainable support structures ensures that the impact will be profound and far-reaching.
Call to Action
The Executive Director called on all stakeholders—donors, corporate entities, government agencies, and community leaders—to join hands in this vital campaign. She echoed, “Your support can help build dreams and break the chains of drug addiction, paving the way for a brighter, healthier future for Ghana’s youth. Together, we can create a drug-free nation, where every young person has the opportunity to reach their full potential.”
The Programs Manager of GEM-GHANA, Mr. Abdul Rafiu Fuseini added that in the words of the campaign’s tagline, “Building Dreams, Breaking Chains,” GEM-GHANA’s drug abuse awareness campaign is a beacon of hope in the fight against substance abuse not only in Tamale but in Ghana at large. By rallying behind this cause, we can ensure that the youth of Ghana are not just surviving but thriving, free from the chains of addiction and full of the promise of a brighter tomorrow.
