Madina Zongo youth unite to fight illicit drug trade

By Kizito CUDJOE

Youth groups in Madina Zongo, a suburb of Accra, have launched a community-driven campaign to support police efforts to curb the sale and use of illicit drugs, which residents say are fuelling crime and social decay. The initiative, known as ‘United Madina Zongo Against Illicit Drugs’, is being undertaken under the auspices of the Madina Zongo Chief, in collaboration with the Ghana Police Service and the Office of the Member of Parliament for Madina.

The campaign involves the creation of a neighbourhood watchdog committee tasked with patrolling, identifying and reporting drug-related activities to the police. Members of the committee have received training from the police to engage and counsel suspected users and dealers, with enforcement measures applied when dialogue fails.

“This is a home-grown solution designed by the people for the people,” said the Executive Director of the Mother of All Nations Foundation and President of the West Madina Development Foundation, Ishaq Abubakar Zico Newton. “The police are doing their best, but they cannot do it alone. We must rise as young people to protect our community.”

Mr. Newton noted that the initiative aims to safeguard children and youth who are increasingly exposed to drug use in the community.

The United Nations World Drug Report 2024 estimates that almost 300 million people use drugs globally, with 39.5 million suffering from drug use disorders. The report warns of expanding drug markets and worsening health and social harms.

The Madina District Police Commander, Chief Superintendent Sylvanus Azure, described the initiative as an example of “shared responsibility in promoting peace and safety,” adding that it would strengthen intelligence gathering and community policing.

He urged committee members to act within the law and maintain professionalism. “Do not take the law into your own hands. Always involve the police. We are partners and will support you to ensure your work is safe and lawful,” he said, noting that the introduction of the committee will significantly help in reducing the increasing sale and use of illicit drugs in the Madina Zongo community and its surroundings by assisting the police in identifying drug peddlers for further action.

The Chief Imam of Madina Zongo, Sheikh Salman Mohammed Alhassan, also urged the committee members to exercise restraint and humility. “You are not the police but partners in peace. Advise, report and let the authorities act,” he told the volunteers.

A representative of the Madina MP, Francis Xavier Sosu, said the legislator had donated GH¢10,000 to support the programme and pledged to monitor its progress.

The Municipal Chief Executive for Madina, Ibrahim Faila, also commended the initiative, calling for broader community involvement to “reset and redefine Madina. Madina must not be known for drug abuse, prostitution or lawlessness. We must return to the disciplined community we once were,” he said. “We need the support of our chiefs, imams and residents to make this transformation possible.”

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