By Nadia Ntiamoah
Member of Parliament for Nhyiaeso, Dr. Stephen Amoah, popularly known as Sticka has announced a far-reaching measures to crackdown on underage gambling, illicit drug camps, underage drinking and the operation of unregistered motorbikes within his constituency, declaring a zero-tolerance policy against activities he says are threatening the future of young people.
The lawmaker unveiled the measures during a major community engagement programme held on Monday, June 22, 2026, where he simultaneously awarded scholarships to 300 students pursuing various degree programmes at tertiary institutions and distributed 30 streetlights to each of the nine electoral areas within the constituency.
As part of the event, Dr. Amoah also donated five desktop computers each to State Experimental Junior High School and John Agyekum Kufuor Senior High School to support teaching and learning.
The intervention forms part of what the MP described as a broader effort to improve educational opportunities, strengthen community security and protect young people from social vices that continue to affect many communities across the country.
Addressing residents, traditional leaders, Assembly Members and other stakeholders, Dr. Amoah expressed concern about what he described as the growing vulnerability of young people to gambling, substance abuse and criminal activities
He announced that anyone below the age of 18 found engaging in sports betting activities within the constituency would face immediate arrest.
The MP specifically referenced betting platforms such as Mybet and warned that operators who allow minors to enter their premises or participate in gambling activities would also face sanctions.
According to him, the fight against underage gambling must involve not only law enforcement agencies but also business owners who have a responsibility to ensure that minors are not exposed to gambling activities.
Dr. Amoah further declared a ban on the purchase and consumption of alcohol by minors within the constituency.He stated that any underage person found drinking alcohol would be arrested, while parents or guardians could also be held accountable, particularly in situations where children are sent to purchase alcoholic beverages on behalf of adults.
The Nhyiaeso MP argued that many social problems affecting young people begin with a lack of supervision and easy access to harmful activities, stressing that communities must work together to reverse the trend.
On security matters, the MP announced a complete prohibition on unregistered motorbikes operating within the constituency.He warned that all unregistered motorcycles found within Nhyiaeso would be impounded by authorities and urged owners to regularize their documentation immediately.
Dr. Amoah also revealed plans to dismantle all illegal drug centres, popularly referred to as “weed camps,” operating within the constituency.
While acknowledging the challenges faced by individuals battling addiction, he maintained that such facilities pose a serious threat to public safety and community development.
“Weed camps will not be entertained in Nhyiaeso,” he stressed, adding that all identified locations would be destroyed as part of efforts to restore law and order.
However, the MP indicated that the crackdown would be accompanied by rehabilitation and empowerment programmes aimed at providing alternative opportunities for affected youth.
According to him, individuals willing to abandon drug use will be enrolled in skills development programmes covering trades such as carpentry, barbering, hairdressing and other vocational professions to help them become self-reliant and productive members of society.
The initiative, he explained, is intended to address the root causes of youth vulnerability by creating pathways to employment and entrepreneurship rather than relying solely on punitive measures.
Dr. Amoah also called for stronger collaboration among parents, schools and government institutions in raising responsible children.
He expressed concern about modern parenting trends where some parents spend limited time with their children due to work and other commitments.
According to him, many parents leave home early and return late, leaving children unsupervised and vulnerable to negative influences.
The MP urged parents to become more involved in the lives of their children, emphasizing that guidance, discipline and mentorship remain critical ingredients in shaping future leaders.
