The Tamale Metropolitan Assembly under the auspices of the Metropolitan Security Council acting on the Narcotics Drugs Control, Enforcement and Sanctions, has begun a clampdown on illicit drug users and prostitutes in the city.
In a statement released Monday, the Metropolitan Chief Executive, Musah Superior announced that under the PNDCL 236 of 1990, the Assembly is embarking on an operation to locate and close down all Indian Hemp (wee) smoking joints in the neighborhoods.
The statement said the assembly acting on the strength of sections of the Criminal Code of Ghana would mount search for all identified joints or street corners where prostitutes operate and shut it.
All those who would be arrested in the operation will be made to face the consequences of their actions, the statement added.
The Mayor issued a two week ultimatum to drive all prostitutes out of the city and close down and arrest brothel owners.
The Assembly would today also begin implementing restrictions imposed on minors who roam on streets of the metropolis into deep night.
The Mayor about three weeks ago announced a 10pm curfew on minors wandering on the streets and said parents of offenders would be prosecuted in a juvenile court.
According to the Mayor, the measure is targeted at controlling drug abuse among the minors, teenage prostitution, sakawa and domestic robbery.
There has been a surge in children below 13 taking over the streets of Tamale at night creating chaos, staking heists on road users, taking the streets into casinos and smoking indiscriminately.
They Mayor had said security forces would have the right to arrest any minor found on the streets beyond 10pm and warned residents to advise their children.
“Henceforth, all minors and juveniles who will be found loitering in the city including patronizing way side cinema structures will be apprehended,” the statement declared.
Source: Ghana/Starrfmonline.com/103.5FM/Eliasu Tanko
