Ghana Leaders Unite Against Youth Drug Crisis at Eid Prayers

Religious leaders used one of Islam's holiest celebrations to sound an urgent alarm about drugs destroying Ghana's youth.

Thousands of Muslims gathered at Jubilee Park in Wa on March 21 after completing their Ramadan fast. What could have been purely ceremonial became a powerful call to action as imams, ministers, and even Catholic priests united around protecting young people from addiction.

The Upper West Regional Chief Imam didn't hold back. Through his representative, Alhaji Baba Daud, he directly called on police to expose and arrest drug lords selling Tramadol and other illicit substances in their communities. Regional Minister Charles Luanga echoed the urgency, warning that these drugs are "destroying the youth and undermining the future development of society."

The interfaith solidarity was remarkable. Rev. Father Alocios Nuolabong, representing the Catholic Bishop of Wa, promised the church stands ready to partner with Muslim communities to fight the drug epidemic together. "Focus on shared values rather than differences," he told the crowd.

Leaders also tackled education head-on. The Chief Imam raised concerns about 2025 exam results showing over 50 percent of students failing to meet university admission standards in math. He pushed for new science and technical schools in locations accessible to Muslim students and formal recruitment of qualified Arabic teachers.

The Ripple Effect

When religious communities that represent different faiths choose collaboration over division, entire regions benefit. The government responded to these concerns with concrete promises: contractors are mobilizing for major road construction, including the Wa-Hein-Tumu-Navrongo highway. Plans for 11 modern markets across district assemblies aim to create jobs and stimulate local trade.

Parents, teachers, and religious leaders left with a shared mission: guide the younger generation both morally and spiritually before addiction steals their potential.

Meanwhile, the Ahmadiyya Muslim community held their own celebration at Dzudayiri Gardens. Their regional missionary, Maulvi Hafiz Abdul Nasir Bathi, delivered a similar message: "We need to be sympathetic and show affection to our fellow human beings." He urged youth to avoid drugs and become useful citizens.

The day concluded with prayers for sustained peace, national growth, and prosperity across Ghana, proof that faith communities can turn celebration into catalyst for change.