By Daniel Bampoe
In a bold and urgent response to the growing opioid and substance abuse crisis gripping communities across Ghana, Member of Parliament for Suhum in the Eastern region, Frank Asiedu Bekoe, popularly known as Protozoa, has launched a community-led street campaign aimed at raising awareness and promoting prevention.
The campaign, which was rolled out on the streets of Suhum last week, saw a broad coalition of stakeholders—including traditional leaders, health officials, transport unions, local artisans, and youth organizations—march in solidarity to denounce the rising tide of drug addiction, particularly among the youth.
The opioid epidemic is no longer a distant issue in Ghana. Once thought to be primarily a Western problem, the use of potent opioids, including tramadol and other unregulated substances, has taken root in many Ghanaian communities, especially among unemployed or vulnerable youth.
Suhum, a bustling municipality along the Accra-Kumasi highway, has become a frontline in this battle.
According to Asiedu Bekoe, his office has been actively engaging the Suhum Joint Task Force Against Drug and Substance Abuse in recent months.
The task force has been meeting with healthcare experts, coordinating with law enforcement, and formulating community-based strategies to respond to what he described as “a national security threat.”
Community Unites
The street campaign was executed with visible energy and broad participation.
The Municipal Health Directorate, traditional authorities, assembly members, the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), the Tailors and Dressmakers Association, artisans, and youth and religious groups all joined forces.
Their presence on the streets of Suhum symbolized a united front against what many now regard as an existential threat to the country’s youth.
“I am proud of what we achieved today,” said Protozoa. “This was not just a campaign; it was a statement. We will not sit back and allow opioids and other illicit substances to destroy our children, our future leaders.”
Beyond the campaign, the MP did not shy away from criticizing what he sees as institutional inertia.
Addressing both local and national stakeholders, he called on key regulatory bodies—including the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA), and the National Security apparatus—to take their responsibilities more seriously.
“These drugs are not produced in Suhum. They enter the country through our ports and borders. So where are our FDA and Standards Authority officials? Where is National Security?” he asked passionately. “National Security cannot only exist to arrest political opponents. This is a real threat to our national stability.”
Legislative Push
Protozoa revealed that he intends to bring the issue to Parliament, advocating for stronger laws and better enforcement.
He emphasized the need for capacity building across institutions and urged all Ghanaians to rise to the challenge.
“Now is the time for every Ghanaian who cares to stand up and say, ‘Let’s stop the drug and opioid crisis,’” he said. “If we don’t act now, we will have no leaders tomorrow.”
The Road Forward
While the street campaign was hailed as a success, Protozoa stressed that this is just the beginning.
His office, he assured, will continue to work with community leaders, law enforcement, and national agencies to keep Suhum safe and drug-free.
“Suhum is my home. I will not allow drug and substance abuse to take over,” he concluded.
