The Upper West Regional Minister Alhaji Sulemana Alhassan has appealed to the youth in his region to take advantage of the many projects being implemented by government to develop themselves rather than taking to tramadol abuse for vitality.

The Regional Minister indicated that President Nana Akufo-Addo's government is implementing a lot of initiatives that are geared towards the development of the youth.

Alhaji Sulemana Alhassan made this statement when he joined the Wa Municipal Chief Executive Alhaji Ishahaku Moomen Tahiru to lead a "say no to tramadol campaign" in Wa as part of efforts to end the abuse of the drug in the Upper West Region.

The team embarked on a peaceful sensitization walk through the principal streets of Wa to create awareness about the dangers of the abuse of tramadol.

Starting from the Regional Coordinating Council, they marched through insurance road to T-junction into the Wa central market, where they stopped to create awareness among the general public.

Two consumers of tramadol joined the team at the market and called on the campaigners to pray for them to stop.

A psychiatric nurse at the Upper West Regional Hospital, Niebabura Issac said the Hospital alone has recorded 118 reported cases of substance abuse, including tramadol and one drug abuse-related death.

The Wa Municipal Chief Executive Alhaji Ishahaku Moomen Tahiru assured the assembly will keep the campaign going to help fight against tramadol abuse in the municipality.

He said what they are doing now is to clear 'over the counter drugs' and put an end to illegal sale of drugs, to ensure drugs are only sold on prescription.

The Upper West Regional Minister, Alhaji Sulemana Alhassan in an exclusive interview with ghanaweb.com said the government of President Nana Akufo-Addo will go every mile to ensure the youth developed mentally, spiritually and physically so they will be beneficial to themselves, the community and nation at large.

Alhaji Alhassan said the government is fashioning out a lot of initiatives geared towards the development of the youth and in making them future leaders tomorrow.

He mentioned programs such as youth in agriculture initiative, Free Senior High School and youth in entrepreneurship skills development initiatives.

Mr Alhassan said the government was hopeful the youth will appreciate what has been put in place for them and also venture into deliveries that will not affect them in future.

He however appealed to the youth to desist from drug abuse.