The Sogakope New Town Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church has teamed up with students from the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) to lead an anti-drug awareness float through the streets of Sogakope in Ghana’s Volta Region.
The float, which took place over the weekend, formed part of the SDA Church’s annual Drug Awareness Month campaign observed in May. Participants, including church members, students, health professionals, and volunteers, marched with placards warning against drug use, especially among the youth.
According to Elder Samuel Yeboah of the Sogakope SDA Church, the event was the climax of a week-long series of activities dedicated to community health and youth education. “In this month, there are various programmes happening across the country where churches are educating the youth on drug abuse. In line with this mandate, Sogakope SDA Church, in collaboration with students from UHAS, used the whole week to give this education. There were health screenings, evangelism, and other programmes. And today, being the climax, the youth have embarked on a float to create awareness that drug abuse should be stopped in our communities.”
Dr. Sulleh Gbandy, a lecturer in Palliative Care at UHAS, emphasized the broader public health impact of the campaign. “Every May is a month for drug awareness. This week, we conducted health education, medical screenings, insurance renewals, and psychological support to help vulnerable individuals. We want people to know that drug abuse is not just someone else’s problem—even professionals sometimes misuse drugs. The misuse of tramadol, diclofenac, and other substances is physically and mentally destructive. This float helped us reach more people with that message.”
Many of the students participating in the float are members of the Ghana National Association of Adventist Students (GNAAS). Ella Kala-Oppong, a UHAS student and GNAAS member, shared a message of hope for those battling addiction. “We are here to alert the whole population about drug abuse. From my card, it says, ‘From brokenness to wholeness, Christ heals.’ The fact that you are a drug addict or have been abusing drugs doesn’t mean Jesus doesn’t love you. Jesus loves you so much. When you give your life to Christ, He heals you and makes you whole again. Drug abuse is dangerous—don’t start, because once you get addicted, it’s very difficult to stop.”
The float was met with support from the Sogakope community, with many residents pausing to engage with the participants.
The event highlights the critical role of faith-based institutions, academia, and youth organizations in addressing the growing challenge of drug abuse through education, compassion, and community engagement.
source:gbcghanaonline
