GENERAL NEWS

CADCA Seminar On Drug Fight Held In Somanya

By Catherine Ahiador:

The Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America, CADCA, a Non- Governmental Organization has held a seminar at the Somanya branch of the Methodist Church of Ghana. The meeting which was held on Thursday was part of the coalition’s strategies to eradicate the high prevalence of drug and substance abuse among the people of Yilo Krobo and its environs.

It was also aimed at deliberating and elaborating on strategies aimed at confronting the menace of drug use among young people as well as rehabilitating people who for one reason or the other are addicted to the use of drugs.

Aside the above, CADCA also seeks to develop and strengthen the country’s community groups to create communities that are safe, healthy and drug free. One area of concern for CADCA on Thursday was the rise in substance and drug abuse among several communities in Yilo Krobo in particular and the country as a whole.

The coalition was also concerned that the activities of drug addicts and abusers caused fear and panic among the citizenry especially as they are suspected to be engaged in criminal activities including terrorizing innocent citizens. These activities included acts of robbery, rape, assault, murder, etc.

CADCA, determined to achieve its aim, has devout members who are trained to counsel drug addicts and drug peddlers through convincing them to be rehabilitated.

Mr. Benoit Dagadu in his speech indicated that unemployment in the country was a fundamental cause that got people, especially the youth into drug peddling. He also noted that peer pressure and environmental conditions also got people into drugs.

He recounted an incident in Senegal where, as part of his research he discovered how very young people were also involved in drug business.  ‘I was overwhelmed when this child readily told me he could buy it for me in no time and truly in a matter of few minutes, he returned with a bunch of marijuana in hands,’ Mr. Dagadu recalled.

On the other hand, Mr. Beniot noted that CADCA had extended its province to a lot of African countries like Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Cape Verde, Senegal and Ghana. He stressed that they were practically in Somanya buoyed and encouraged by the success story they have from Madina which began.

Per this, CADCA now has about 6 coalitions of trainers in Ghana and it is aiming at expanding the coalition.

CADCA is also being supported by other International NGOs through funding for the progress of the coalition.

Somanya District Police Commander, ASP Isaac Otsin Kwadwo who is also a member of CADCA expressed his concern on how CADCA could go about its duties without hardships. He suggested that the members should have something that would prove their identification anytime they find themselves being among this drug addicts to avoid arrest.

Notable CADCA personalities including Mr. Benoit Dagadu, Lieutenant Commander and CADCA trainer, Madame Sandra, Business Manager for the Philip Foundation, and Mr. Boateng Mensah, Executive Director of CADCA were present to grace the occasion.

Source: ritefmonline.org

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