Hon. Ali Adolf John Warns of Rising Drug Abuse, Calls for Collective Response in Dagbon
Yendi, December 27, 2025 — The Northern Regional Minister, Hon. Ali Adolf John, has expressed serious concern over the increasing cases of drug peddling and abuse in parts of Dagbon, particularly among the youth, warning that the trend poses a major threat to the future development of the area.Speaking at the Dagbon Maiden Homecoming held in Yendi, the Minister described the situation as worrying and called for urgent and collective action to address the menace.
According to him, drug abuse not only destroys the potential of the youth but also undermines peace, security and socio-economic progress in Dagbon.
Hon. Adolf commended the Ghana Police Service, especially the Police Operations Task Force, for their intensified operations in the region, and praised the Inspector-General of Police for deploying additional security support to the Northern Region.
He disclosed that the Northern Regional Security Office, acting under the direction of the Regional Security Council, has stepped up quiet but effective operations against drug dealers. These efforts, he said, have resulted in the seizure of illicit substances and the arrest and successful prosecution of several suspects.
The Regional Minister appealed to parents, chiefs, opinion leaders, youth groups and religious bodies to actively support the fight against drug abuse through education, vigilance and the timely reporting of suspicious activities.
“This fight cannot be left to the police alone,” Hon. Adolf stressed, urging individuals, organisations and corporate bodies to support the campaign with financial, material and logistical resources to sustain the effort.
He assured the people that the government of President John Dramani Mahama remains firmly committed to protecting the youth and supporting initiatives that promote peace, security and development in Dagbon.
The event also witnessed strong showings of Ali Adolf John Warns of Rising Drug Abuse, Calls for Collective Response in Dagbon from political leaders and stakeholders. At the Dagbon Forum Homecoming, Member of Parliament Hon. Abdul Fataw Jofa donated GH¢10,000 towards the initiative. The gesture was promptly matched by former MP Dr. Farouk Aliu Mahama, who also contributed GH¢10,000. Additionally, former parliamentary aspirant Hajia Abibata Shani Mahama Zakaria pledged GH¢10,000 in support of the cause.
The donations drew commendation from participants, as they reflected a growing spirit of unity, responsibility and healthy collaboration in support of Dagbon’s development agenda.
Many stakeholders praised the Dagbon Forum for spearheading the homecoming initiative, describing it as a timely intervention that has brought leaders together, encouraged positive competition and refocused attention on the shared goal of unity and development in Dagbon.
Hon. Ali Adolf John concluded by calling for sustained cooperation and vigilance, stressing that safeguarding the youth remains central to building a strong, peaceful and prosperous Dagbon.
