Kumasi, Sept 29, GNA - Dr Antwi Boasiako, Medical Director of the Quality Care Clinic and Offinso, has called for a vigorous campaign against alcoholism, drug abuse and trafficking.

He said the rate at which some Ghanaians, especially the youth, were resorting to alcoholism and drug abuse in recent times could erode the socio-economic gains of the nation.

Dr Boasiako was speaking at a thanksgiving and fund-raising service of the Bantama branch of the Blue Cross Society of the Presbyterian Church in Kumasi on Sunday to round off a three-day outreach programme of the society.

It was held on the theme "Alcohol and Drug Abuse, The Role of the Stakeholder".

"We cannot sit down unconcerned whiles out future leaders who are the hope of the nation take to drugs to destroy themselves." He said it was imperative that basic and second-cycle schools authorities set up guidance and counselling centres to sensitise the youth on the dangers inherent in alcoholism and drug abuse. Mr Appiah Sarfo-Kantanka, a pharmacist,said self-medication was a very dangerous practice and that its repercussions could have a multiplying effect on the general health conditions of the citizenry.