On Wednesday, February 18, 2026, the Cardinal Onaiyekan Foundation for Peace (COFP), founded by former Archbishop Cardinal John Onaiyekan in Abuja, Nigeria, extended its peace-building and social advocacy mission to Ghana with a significant intervention in the Denkyembour District.
In collaboration with the Denkyembour District Assembly and the District Education Directorate, Dr. Bashiru Muhammad spearheaded a one-day workshop in Akwatia under the theme: “Harnessing Interfaith Cooperation in Addressing the Menace of Drug Abuse in the Denkyembour District.”
The workshop brought together students from both first- and second-cycle institutions across the district. The gathering aimed to educate young people on the dangers of substance abuse while promoting unity among different faith groups in tackling the growing social challenge.
Participants were later divided into discussion groups, where they engaged in thoughtful conversations about the causes, effects, and long-term consequences of drug abuse. The interactive sessions encouraged peer-to-peer learning and critical reflection on how substance misuse affects individuals, families, and communities.
Delivering the opening address, the Director of Education for the Denkyembour District, Hon. Thomas Mensah More Tsorhe, underscored the urgency of confronting drug abuse at the grassroots level. He cautioned students against self-medication, describing it as a subtle yet dangerous form of drug abuse. He further noted that the excessive intake of alcohol and other harmful substances gradually erodes both physical and mental health, often leading to addiction.
According to him, drug abuse strips individuals of their identity and dignity, distancing them from their families, friends, and communities. He explained that substance dependency often results in abnormal behaviour that disrupts social harmony and weakens community bonds.
Hon. Tsorhe also emphasized the broader societal implications, stating that drug abuse undermines the future of young people by destroying their academic and career prospects, while bringing pain and disappointment to families.
He concluded by calling for sustained youth empowerment initiatives and stronger safeguarding mechanisms to equip young people with the knowledge and resilience needed to make informed and responsible life choices.
The workshop stands as a testament to the power of interfaith collaboration and community partnership in addressing pressing social issues, particularly those affecting the youth in Denkyembour District.