Drug abuse has become one of the most serious social problems in Tamale Central. It is destroying lives, weakening families, and limiting the future of our youth. Addressing this crisis requires leadership that understands the realities of addiction and the strength of community-based solutions.
Alhaji Alhassan Mbalba, a safeguarding social worker with years of experience in protecting children and vulnerable families, has made this issue one of his top priorities. He has seen first-hand the damage drug abuse can cause, and he has committed himself to tackling it with practical and compassionate strategies.
In a recent interview, Alhaji Mbalba announced his plan to support the Voluntary Task Force dedicated to fighting the drug menace in Tamale Central. He will arrange for professionals from the UK to equip the Task Force with the right knowledge, skills, and resources to work effectively.
To make their work sustainable, he proposes that members receive a modest monthly stipend so that they remain motivated and focused on their mission.
His approach is comprehensive. It includes:
- Community Education: Launching educational programs across the city to create awareness about the dangers of drugs, targeting schools, youth groups, mosques, and churches.
- Local Structures: Utilising unit committees in various areas to act as watchdogs, educators, and mentors, ensuring the fight against drugs reaches every corner of the constituency.
- Rehabilitation: Establishing a rehabilitation centre in the metropolis, working alongside the other three Members of Parliament in the Tamale area to ensure access to recovery and counselling services.
- Youth Alternatives: Providing apprenticeships, vocational training, and entrepreneurship opportunities so that young people have meaningful alternatives to drug use.
As a social worker, Alhaji Mbalba knows that punishment alone will not solve the problem. Prevention, education, rehabilitation, and opportunity must go hand in hand. His vision is for a Tamale Central where families feel safe, young people have hope, and the community is united against the menace of drugs.
Alhaji Alhassan Mbalba’s message to Tamale Central is simple: we can defeat drug abuse if we unite as a community, empower a strong voluntary task force, and create real opportunities for our youth.
With his background in social work and his commitment to service, Alhaji Mbalba stands ready to lead this fight and restore dignity, health, and hope to Tamale Central.
By Christian Aboagye, Social Worker in Children’s Services (Safeguarding Team), Mental Health Practitioner, Elected Governor for Greater Manchester Mental Health Services (Social Care Staff), Youth Organiser for NDC Manchester Branch
