Eastern Regional House of Chiefs has expressed deep concern over the rising abuse of drugs among the youth, describing it as a serious threat to the future of the region and the nation at large.
Addressing the First General Meeting of the House of Chiefs this year on Thursday, January 22, 2026, President of the House, Nene Sakite II warned that substance abuse, popularly referred to as “RED,” is “killing the youth softly,” while some law enforcement agencies appear to be turning a blind eye.
He called on Traditional Councils to work closely with Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) to be vigilant about drug trafficking, drug use, and the existence of drug or marijuana farms within their communities.
“For this New Year, there should be a small revolution and a change. We must take the issue of drug abuse seriously and ensure that it is completely stopped,” he stressed.
Touching on other national challenges, the President of the House also raised concerns about illegal mining (galamsey), cybercrime, and emerging cases of kidnapping.
He noted that traditional rulers have historically complemented governments both before and after independence and can still play a critical role in addressing these social vices.
Nene Sakite II urged central government to actively involve traditional authorities in the fight against environmental degradation and crime, adding that chiefs are ready to support efforts to protect water bodies and the environment.
Reflecting on the activities of the House in 2025, he described the year as having a “chequered history.” While acknowledging successes in promoting culture, mediating local disputes, supporting community projects, and collaborating with government agencies and NGOs to improve access to education and healthcare, he admitted that little progress was made in resolving chieftaincy disputes.
According to him, the Judicial Committee of the House was only able to dispose of five cases and issue two injunction rulings out of several cases filed, largely due to inadequate financial and logistical support.
He also expressed disappointment over the stalled renovation of the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs’ office block, despite engagements with the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) Board, its Chief Executive Officer, and technical team.
“We shall not relent.This year, we will continue to engage government and sponsors and also explore other fundraising strategies to enable us to perform our mandate effectively,” he assured.
On infrastructure, Nene Sakite II drew attention to abandoned road projects across the region, which he said are causing excessive dust and posing health hazards to residents. He urged government to address these defects as a matter of urgency.
The President of the House reaffirmed the commitment of traditional rulers to maintaining peace in the Eastern Region to support development and appealed for traditional matters to be resolved in palaces rather than on social media platforms.
Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey commended Nananom for given her full supported and collaboration throughout his first year in office.
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She called for sustained support to help develop the region.
The Regional Minister stressed that “investors do not go where guns speak louder than drums. Development does not grow where stools are divided. I commend Nananom for your consistent collaboration with REGSEC, for choosing dialogue over discord, and tradition over turmoil”.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
