"Stay away from illicit drugs" - Odododiodio MP to youths

The Member of Parliament for the Odododiodio Constituency in the Greater Accra Region, Hon. Alfred Nii Kotey Ashie, has called on the youth to abstain from the use of illicit drugs.

According to the MP, the abuse of illegal substances often leads young people into acts of indiscipline and criminal behaviours.

Hon. Alfred Nii Kotey Ashie made the appeal on Thursday at the Ga Traditional Council after presenting assorted items together with Linda Ocloo, Greater Accra Regional Minister and Michael Kpakpo Allotey, Mayor of Accra on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama as his support for the upcoming Homowo celebrations to the Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II.

Addressing the gathering, the lawmaker urged the youth to conduct themselves responsibly before, during and after the festivities to ensure a peaceful, safe and successful celebration.

He noted that Homowo is a significant cultural event that showcases the rich heritage, customs and traditions of the Ga people and should therefore be celebrated in an atmosphere of peace, unity and respect for the law.

“I want to appeal especially to our young people to stay away from illicit drugs because these substances influence them to engage in unacceptable behaviour. Let us all celebrate responsibly and preserve the dignity of our cherished festival,” he said.

Hon. Alfred Nii Kotey Ashie also extended his best wishes to the chiefs and people of the Ga State, expressing confidence that this year’s Homowo Festival would be peaceful and successful.

He encouraged Ghanaians and visitors from across the country and beyond to participate in the festivities and experience the unique culture, hospitality and traditions of the Ga people.

Touching on security arrangements, the MP disclosed that engagement with the Ghana Police Service have been made to ensure adequate security throughout the celebration.

According to him, security personnel will be deployed before, during and after the festivities to protect lives and property and maintain law and order.

He cautioned that anyone who breaches the law during the celebrations would be arrested and made to face the full rigours of the law, stressing that no one would be allowed to disrupt the peace.

Beyond the festival, Hon. Alfred Nii Kotey Ashie also used the occasion to champion the upcoming National Sanitation Day exercise, scheduled for the first week of August.

He stressed that the Ga people cannot celebrate their biggest cultural festival in an environment filled with filth, adding that maintaining clean surroundings is a shared responsibility.

The MP therefore urged residents within the constituency and across the Greater Accra Region to actively participate in the sanitation exercise by cleaning their homes, markets, streets and communities to create a healthier and safer environment for everyone.

He expressed optimism that collective participation in the exercise would enhance the beauty of the capital city and provide a fitting atmosphere for the Homowo celebrations.

Hon. Alfred Nii Kotey Ashie further expressed confidence that this year’s Homowo Festival would strengthen peace, unity and solidarity among the various Ga communities and promote harmonious coexistence.

He also disclosed that the items presented to the Ga Traditional Council would be distributed among the various clans under the Council to support the successful organisation of the annual festival.

The Homowo Festival, one of the most celebrated cultural events in Ghana, commemorates the resilience of the Ga people following a historic period of famine.

The celebration is marked by traditional rites, music, drumming, dancing and the sharing of the symbolic kpokpoi meal, attracting thousands of residents and visitors each year.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith