Togbe Awudza Adabla XV, Dufia of Mafi-Avakpedome, has strongly condemned the sale and consumption of hard drugs, particularly a substance locally known as “red red”.
He said drug abuse is a growing threat to the moral fabric and future of Mafi youth.
Speaking in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), Togbe Awudza Adabla said that he, elders and opinion leaders, had vehemently dissociated themselves from the sale, distribution, or use of illicit substances within the area, stressing that such practices were alien to the customs and values of the Mafi people.
“We and our elders completely distance ourselves from these acts. The sale and use of hard drugs, especially the so-called ‘red red,’ have no place in our community or our culture,” Togbe Awudza Adabla, also the Avafiaga of the Mafi Traditional Area, declared.
He observed that the increasing involvement of young people in drug use could be traced to peer influence, imitation of foreign cultures, and the misuse of social media, noting that these modern influences were eroding traditional discipline and community upbringing.
“Our youth are learning these bad habits from others, especially through social media. We never trained them to do these things. They think such drugs will give them strength for their work or farming, but the long-term damage is far worse than they imagine,” he stated.
The Avafiaga expressed deep concern that the abuse of drugs was gradually affecting the productivity of young men and women in the area, with many abandoning their potential and health for fleeting pleasures.
He, therefore, advised the youth of Mafi-Avakpedome and the entire Mafi Traditional Area to desist from the use of hard drugs and rather embrace discipline, hard work and good nutrition as means to build strength and sustain their livelihoods.
“The youth should eat natural food that gives them real energy and strength instead of relying on drugs. We need them healthy and strong to work hard and contribute meaningfully to the development of Mafi and Ghana as a whole,” he said.
Togbe Awudza Adabla further called on the Ghana Police Service and other law enforcement agencies to intensify surveillance and clamp down on persons who sell or promote the use of such substances in the communities.
He said: “Those who sell these drugs live among us. I am calling on the police to arrest and prosecute them immediately.”
“No one should expect sympathy from the traditional leaders if caught in this illegal act. I will never entertain or defend anyone involved in it,” he emphasised.
The Chief made it clear that his palace and the Mafi Traditional Council would not condone or shield any individual arrested for drug-related offences, adding that traditional authorities were committed to working closely with state agencies to curb the menace.
He also expressed appreciation to community volunteers, civil society groups and the GNAwho continue to raise awareness against drug abuse.
He urged them to sustain the campaign until the practice is completely eradicated.
“I want to thank all who have shown concern and come to our community to help end this menace. Together, we can protect our youth and secure a better future for our traditional area and the nation,” Togbe Awudza Adabla added.
He reaffirmed the traditional council’s resolve to promote peace, discipline, and development across the Mafi Traditional Area through sustained community education and collaboration with security agencies and local institutions.