He said effective collaboration between law enforcement agencies and community watchdog committees was also required to bring the situation under control.

Mr Akwaboa made the call when speaking at a forum to mark the 2025 World Drug Day celebration in Sunyani on the theme: “Breaking the Chains: Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery for All”.

It was organized by the Narcotic Control Commission and aimed at sensitizing the participants, including students from basic and second cycle institutions on drug abuse and its effect.

Mr Akwaboa expressed concern about the porous nature of the borders, saying strengthening border systems would stem importation of illicit drugs and substances into the country, highlighting the importance of securing the nation’s borders.

He said the Bono Regional Security Council (REGSEC) would ensure that the various borders in the region were well secured, and communities along the entry points put on alert.

The communities must do more to support the Narcotics Control Commission and the security agencies in exposing and resisting drug trafficking operations, he urged.

Mr. Akwaboa said stemming drug trafficking remained shared responsibility, calling for formidable front in tackling the menace.

He said: “Drug abuse poses a significant threat to individuals, families, communities and the nation, necessitating a unified and strategic response action in its fight”, saying “effects of drug abuse are far-reaching from ruined health, broken families, increased crime to stunted productivity”.

The Regional Minister added that social and economic costs of drug abuse were substantial, and called for a comprehensive approach in tackling the menace.

Mr Akwaboa expressed concern about the “increasing normalization of drug use among the youth fueled by peer pressure, misinformation and social media”.

He said stakeholders ought to partner in expanding access to treatment and recovery services to support young people struggling with substance abuse and called on faith-based organizations, NGOs and the private sector to support the nationwide fight against illicit drug abuse and trafficking.

This, he said, would promote a healthier, drug-free society and contribute to a safer and more prosperous future.

Madam Fidelia Alo Yamusah, the Head of Education at the Bono Regional Office of the Narcotic Control Commission, urged families to be sensitive and identify early signs of drug abuse of children.

She advised the youth to desist from joining bad friends who might lure them into substance abuse and ruin their future.