TheReports Outreach holds successful Substance Abuse Conference in Accra

A Non-Governmental Organisation, TheReports Outreach (TRO), recently hosted its annual conference dubbed ‘The Reports Outreach Substance Abuse Conference 2024 (TROSAC24)’ at the Cambridge Centre of Excellence in Dzorwulu.

The event brought together key stakeholders from various sectors, including healthcare professionals, policymakers, educators, and community leaders, to tackle the growing concerns of substance abuse and mental health affecting Ghana's youth.

The conference featured key speakers such as the Principal Regulatory Officer at the Ghana Food and Drugs Authority, Mrs. Juliana Amankwaah-Marfo, Executive Director of Beroses International, Mr. Smart Takyi Nixon, and founder of Chrissy Foundation, Miss Christiana Asiedu-Aseidua.

Other notable speakers included Miss Robertson Patrice from the Eclectic Love Foundation, Dr. Papa Kwesi from the Greater Accra Regional Hospital, and a journalist from TV XYZ, Miss Afia Owusu. 

In her address, Mrs. Amankwaah-Marfo shed light on the FDA's initiatives to combat harmful substances in communities. 
She emphasised the critical need for sustained education and targeted intervention strategies to address the alarming misuse of drugs like tramadol among youth.

A recovering addict, Eli Prince Aniewu, shared his inspiring journey, offering a message of hope and urging young people to steer clear of drugs. He advocated for expanded outreach programmes to engage marginalised individuals living on the streets and promote open dialogue around substance abuse, underscoring the importance of community support in the recovery process.

The founder of The Reports Outreach, Humphrey Asigbee, reaffirmed the organisation’s unwavering dedication to raising nationwide awareness about substance abuse. He stressed the importance of education, dialogue, and collective action in fostering a healthier, drug-free society, highlighting the profound impact of substance abuse on physical health, mental well-being, and social stability. Mr. Asigbee emphasised the need for sustained collaboration among stakeholders to drive meaningful change and ensure a brighter future for Ghana's youth.

TROSAC24 was organised in collaboration with the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) and Beroses International to demonstrate the power of strategic partnerships in addressing complex social issues.