Hello and a pleasant welcome to “Take the Lead’’ on West Africa Democracy Radio 94.9FM here in Dakar, Senegal……The youthful platform that initiates discussions about young people on the African continent.
I am Augustine Kollie, and here is a summary of this week’s episode about ‘Harmful substance abuse by young people in Africa.’
In an increasingly interconnected world, West Africa has become an attractive destination for transnational organized crime. Drug cartels have collaborated with local partners to turn the region into a significant transit route. The sub region has long produced cannabis, mainly for local consumption, but is now also becoming a producer and exporter of synthetic drugs such as KUSH and other types.
The growth in drug trafficking comes as the region is emerging from years of political conflict and, in some countries, prolonged violence.
Most notably affected are the young population who are to become future leaders of the region. Yet, many are found in ghettos, dumpsites, and street corners walking like zombies, as a result of drugs addiction destroying their lives.
Join us on this edition of the program as we discuss substance abuse by young people including the effects and ways to tackling the menace that is ravaging countries in the sub-region.
