Oseadeayo Kwasi Nkrumah Ababio
The Omanhene of Sefwi Bekwai Traditional Area, Oseadeayo Kwasi Nkrumah Ababio, has urged government to partner the media to fight tramadol abuse by the youth through education on the adverse effects of the drug.
He believes proper education and awareness creation on the drug will go a very long way to drastically reduce tramadol usage, besides law enactment.
Speaking in his maiden interaction with the media since his enstoolment, the paramount chief expressed worry about wanton abuse of the drug by young people, warning that the nation risks losing its future if corrective measures are not taken immediately.
Oseadeayo also appealed to the media to allot time for drug abuse education as part of their contribution towards building a just society for all and sundry.
Known in private life as Kwasi Danso Asare, the chief said tramadol abuse by the youth should be a source of concern to every Ghanaian because of its association to loss of life through brain damage, infertility, pneumonia and acute renal failure.
According to him, the abuse of tramadol can lead to perpetration of crime, road accidents and many other social mishaps.
He, therefore, appealed to pharmacists to sell the medicine to persons who come with prescriptions from qualified health practitioners.
Oseadeayo Nkrumah Ababio also wants government to criminalize the use of the drug by ordinary citizens without proper authorization.
From Ernest Kofi Adu, Kumasi