The Member of Parliament for Suhum Constituency in the Eastern Region, Mr. Frank Asiedu Bekoe, has officially launched a bold and comprehensive campaign aimed at curbing the alarming rise of opioid and substance abuse among the youth in the Suhum Municipality.

The campaign, titled “Life, Not Poison: Opioid Abuse—Not a Painkiller, but a Killer,” is being rolled out under the theme “Illicit Drug Use Among the Youth of Suhum Municipality: Our Collective Responsibility in Curbing the Menace.”

It reflects a united call to action against a growing public health crisis threatening the future of the municipality’s young people.

The launch event, which follows prior stakeholder engagements involving traditional authorities, religious leaders, Muslim clerics, and community influencers, marked a significant step in the MP’s commitment to fighting this societal challenge.

In a heartfelt address at the launch conference, Mr Asiedu Bekoe described the rise in opioid and substance abuse as a “silent killer” eroding the potential of Suhum’s youth.

He called for a united front in fighting the menace through sustained awareness, education, and community-based intervention.

“There is an urgent need for a collective and persistent effort across all communities to confront this challenge head-on,” he stressed. “This campaign is not a one-time event—it’s a movement.”

The MP also reaffirmed his full backing for the newly formed Opioid and Substance Abuse Committee, pledging resources and continued advocacy to support its mission.

He urged all stakeholders to actively engage and play their part in protecting the youth.

Delivering a presentation at the event, Mr. Frederick Ofosu, Suhum’s Municipal Health Director, provided in-depth insights into the root causes, health impacts, and preventative strategies related to substance abuse. He praised the MP’s leadership and expressed confidence in the initiative’s potential to make a lasting impact.

The campaign has received widespread endorsement from key stakeholders, including traditional leaders, religious groups, the security services, NGOs, heads of departments, Assembly Members, and private sector representatives.

With momentum building, the "Life, Not Poison" campaign is poised to become a cornerstone in the fight against drug abuse in Suhum, signalling a hopeful turn in safeguarding the lives and futures of the municipality’s youth.