Nandom youth advocate urges end to political insults, rising drug abuse

In Nandom, a youth advocate named Delle K. Martin, who is also a politician, has urged young people to cease engaging in political insults, intolerance, and violence, as well as to abstain from the rising trend of drug abuse. In a press release, Mr. Martin emphasized that young people are the backbone of Nandom and the nation's future workforce; however, two major dangers - toxic politics and drug abuse - are jeopardizing their potential.

He expressed disappointment over the fact that political debates, both within and among political parties, have been marked by harsh words, intolerance, and, at times, physical confrontations rather than the exchange of ideas and policies. "As young people, we must not lose sight of the purpose of politics and democracy: to foster individual growth, social development, and the collective welfare," he stated.

Mr. Martin encouraged young people to concentrate on their personal growth and engage in productive conversations that foster peace and unity. Regarding drug abuse, he described the surge in illicit drug usage among young people in Nandom and throughout Ghana as alarming, attributing it to violence, crime, poor health, and social unrest.

He called upon traditional and religious leaders, civil society groups, law enforcement, and the government to take swift action through public education, enforcement, rehabilitation, and job creation. "Let us reject political violence, insults, and illicit drugs, and collaborate to construct a community built on respect, responsibility, peace, and development," he concluded.