The Upper West Regional Command of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has marked this year’s International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (World Drug Day) with the donation of assorted medicines to inmates of the Wa Central Prison and residents of the Bahass Mental Home in Wa.
The medicines were mobilized through the support of pharmacies across the Upper West Region as part of activities commemorating this year’s World Drug Day under the theme: “World Drug Problems: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses.”
Presenting the items at both institutions, the Upper West Regional Commander of NACOC, SNCO Bede Naapane, said the fight against drug abuse must extend beyond arrests and prosecutions to include prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and compassion for vulnerable people.
He noted that many inmates and persons receiving mental healthcare require medical support and encouragement to rebuild their lives, stressing that society must give people battling addiction and related challenges a second chance.
SNCO Naapane explained that the humanitarian outreach crowned weeks of public education and community engagement undertaken by the Regional Command across the region. The activities included substance abuse education in schools, radio sensitization programmes, engagements with commercial tricycle (Cambuu) riders, and a counselling capacity-building workshop for senior high school guidance and counselling coordinators as well as district coordinators.
He also commended the pharmacies that donated the medicines, describing their contribution as a strong demonstration of corporate social responsibility and partnership in promoting public health.
Officials of the Ghana Prisons Service in Wa and the Bahass Foundation separately expressed appreciation to NACOC and the donor pharmacies, describing the donations as timely interventions that would improve healthcare delivery and the well-being of inmates and residents.
The twin donations highlighted NACOC Upper West’s commitment to a holistic approach to combating drug abuse – one that combines law enforcement with prevention, education, treatment, rehabilitation and care for those most in need.
Source: www.kumasimail.com/Justin Abesig
