Odeneho Dr Akosua Fima Dwaben II, the Paramount Queen-Mother of the Dormaa Traditional Area in the Bono Region has called for urgent measures to tackle the rising trend of drug abuse and alcoholism among young people in the country.
She expressed worry that the uncontrolled abuse of ‘tramadol drugs’ popularly known as “RED” was ruining the future of many young people and urged stakeholders to come together and find lasting solutions to the social problem and other societal ills.
Odeneho Dr Dwaben II made the call when she inaugurated a newly constructed ultra-modern office complex for the Abesim Eye Clinic in the Sunyani municipality.
Mr Joseph Kwadwo Konadu, popularly known as ‘Joe Kona’ a contractor and native of the town constructed the building at Abesim to mark his 70th birthday celebration.
Odeneho Dr Dwaben II commended the contractor for the facility.
She urged Abesim natives and wealthy individuals to contribute their quota towards the holistic development of the town.
She said the abuse of tramadol, alcoholism and other substances had devastated the lives of many of the youth, and saying if something were not done immediately the situation would be out of hand.
Mr Joseph Addae Akwaboa, the Bono Regional Minister, also commended the benefactor for his vision to help improve eye care service delivery in the region and the nation by extension.
He said the government remained committed to advancing quality health care delivery.
He urged the public to always check their sight.
Dr Kofi Amo-Kodieh, the Bono Regional Director of Health announced plans to upgrade the Abesim Health Center into a hospital status.
He called on natives of Abesim resident abroad and wealthy individuals to support the upgrade process.
He said now a medical officer had been posted to the health centre, saying the facility required modern medical equipment and devices, and urged the public to capitalise on the facility and check their sight regularly.
GNA
