Kanyini Youth Development Association Celebrates Annual Homecoming with Focus on Combating Drug Abuse Among Youth

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The Kanyini Youth Development Association (KAYDA) successfully hosted its annual Homecoming celebration from January 1 to January 4, 2026, uniting community members, youth, and leaders in a four-day event dedicated to community renewal and youth development. The festivities, held under the theme “The Effect of Drugs and Substance Abuse on the Ghanaian Youth,” aimed to raise awareness about the rising concern of drug misuse among young Ghanaians.

The event kicked off with community cleanup exercises, fostering a spirit of collective responsibility and civic pride. Throughout the four days, participants engaged in a variety of activities, including engaging quiz competitions and recreational games, culminating in a vibrant celebration of community solidarity and youth engagement.

Addressing attendees during the event, KAYDA President Mr. Bonaventure Gyiribu emphasized the importance of the chosen theme, citing the alarming prevalence of drug and substance misuse among young people in many communities. “This issue threatens our youth’s health, dignity, and future,” Mr. Gyiribu stated.

Madam Cecilia Kakariba, District Director of Health for Wa West and a proud daughter of the land, provided insights on the adverse effects of drug abuse. She highlighted that the excessive consumption of prescribed medications, alcohol, and illicit substances is profoundly harmful to health. Madam Kakariba expressed concern over the increasing addiction levels among youth, noting that many are unable to function normally without substances. She urged young people to steer clear of drugs, emphasizing that substance abuse erodes their dignity and hampers access to economic opportunities.

In her address, Madam Kakariba questioned why the community often links illegal mining, or galamsey, with drug abuse, suggesting that both issues are detrimental to societal progress and require urgent collective action.

Adding to the call for change, Sombawiera Samba-Sankara, Nadowli-Kaleo Constituency Chairman of the National Democratic Congress, also urged the youth to abandon drugs and harmful substances. He emphasized that drug addiction undermines the potential of young Ghanaians and urged stakeholders to intensify efforts in drug prevention and rehabilitation.

As the event drew to a close, community leaders and youth left motivated to address the challenges of drug abuse, reinforcing their commitment to building healthier, drug-free communities. The KAYDA Homecoming once again demonstrated the power of community-driven initiatives in fostering awareness and promoting positive change among Ghanaian youth.