The Northern Regional Minister, Hon. Ali Adolf John Mburudiba, has raised alarm over the growing threat of illicit drug peddling and abuse in Dagbon, describing the situation particularly among the youth, as deeply worrying and requiring a united, sustained response.
Addressing the Dagbon Maiden Homecoming in Yendi on Saturday, 27th December 2025, the Minister called on traditional leaders, families, civil society and corporate bodies to join forces with security agencies to confront the menace head-on.
He praised the Ghana Police Service, especially the Police Operations Task Force, for intensifying operations in the region, and commended the Inspector-General of Police Christian Tetteh Yohuno for deploying additional security support.
Hon. Adolf further disclosed that the Northern Regional Security Office, acting under the direction of the Regional Security Council (REGSEC), has been quietly but decisively cracking down on drug suppliers and peddlers.
According to him, these efforts have already resulted in significant drug seizures and successful prosecutions, a development he described as encouraging but insufficient without broader public support.
He therefore appealed for sustained backing of the anti-drug campaign.
“I call on individuals, groups and corporate bodies to support this fight with financial, material and logistical resources so that the campaign against drug abuse will be relentless and sustainable,” the Minister urged.
Turning to the broader development agenda, Hon. Ali Adolf John reaffirmed the government’s firm commitment to the socio-economic transformation of Dagbon and the Northern Region as a whole, stressing that peace, unity and responsible citizenship remain critical to progress.
Speaking under the theme “One Dagbon, One Vision: Advancing Dagbon Development Together,” the Minister said the homecoming, though long overdue, had come at a crucial moment in Dagbon’s development journey.
“For me, this event is late in coming, but as it were, we take consolation in the fact that it is better late than never,” he said.
He described the maiden homecoming as both a cultural milestone and a strategic platform for mobilising ideas, investments and partnerships to accelerate development across education, healthcare, infrastructure and economic empowerment.
Hon. Adolf commended the organisers and stakeholders for their commitment to unity and cultural pride, and paid glowing tribute to the Overlord of Dagbon, Ndan Ya Na for providing leadership that has restored peace and stability to Dagbon.
“May the leadership of Ndan Ya Na continue to reign supreme in the region,” he said, noting that peace remains the bedrock of sustainable development.
The Minister emphasised that unity must go beyond symbolism and translate into collective action.
“When we unite, regardless of our differences, we amplify our strength, maximize our impact, tackle our challenges and harness the opportunities ahead of us,” he stated.
He called for the active participation of elders, youth, women and entrepreneurs, stressing that Dagbon’s traditions, values and shared identity remain its strongest assets.
On government policy, Hon. Ali Adolf John assured participants that the administration of President John Dramani Mahama remains fully committed to working with traditional authorities and development partners to implement policies that will improve livelihoods and enhance the quality of life for the people of Dagbon and the wider Northern Region.
He urged that the Dagbon Maiden Homecoming should not end as a ceremonial gathering, but serve as a catalyst for sustained dialogue, concrete action and long-term development planning.
Concluding, the Minister called for unity, collaboration and shared responsibility.
“Let us move forward together, hand in hand, towards a prosperous future for Dagbon,” he said.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
