Northern Regional Minister, Hon. Ali Adolf John, has raised concern over what he described as the growing trend of mob justice and illegal drug abuse in the Northern Region.
He warned that the twin challenges are undermining public order, destroying the potential of young people and threatening the rule of law.
Hon. John urged residents to reject vigilante attacks, reprisals and other forms of self-help justice, insisting that grievances must be resolved through the courts and other lawful institutions rather than through violence.
Speaking at the 2026 Martyrs of the Rule of Law Day celebration organised by the Ghana Bar Association at the High Court premises in Tamale on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, the Minister said increasing incidents of self-help justice and substance abuse require urgent, coordinated action by government, traditional authorities, security agencies, religious leaders and local communities.
Hon. John described the growing drug menace in Tamale and surrounding communities as a serious social problem that is fuelling criminal activity, destroying the future of many young people and weakening the moral fabric of society.
On self-help justice, he expressed concern over the increasing tendency of individuals and groups to resort to mob action, vigilante attacks and reprisals instead of seeking lawful redress through the courts and security agencies.
“Self-help is not justice but the absence of justice,” the Minister said, urging chiefs, religious leaders, youth groups and opinion leaders to help restore public confidence in Ghana’s legal and judicial system by encouraging peaceful and lawful dispute resolution.
He pledged the support of the Northern Regional Coordinating Council to strengthen collaboration with the Ghana Police Service, the Judicial Service, the Narcotics Control Commission and other relevant institutions to tackle the challenges.
The Minister made the remarks while delivering the keynote address at the annual Martyrs of the Rule of Law Day celebration, held under the theme: “Justice for All: Strengthening the Rule of Law, Confronting Self-Help and the Drug Menace in our Communities.”
He also paid tribute to judges, lawyers and other heroes who lost their lives in defence of justice and democracy, saying their sacrifice continues to inspire Ghana’s commitment to judicial independence, due process and the protection of fundamental human rights.
Hon. Ali Adolf John reaffirmed government’s commitment to strengthening justice delivery and called on all Ghanaians to defend the rule of law, reject self-help justice and support efforts to combat illegal drug abuse.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
