Some schoolchildren in parts of the Volta Region are skipping classes to work on marijuana farms for small wages, the President of the Volta Region House of Chiefs, Togbe Tepre Hodo IV, has revealed.
Speaking at a regional chiefs’ meeting in Ho on Friday, July 18, Togbe Hodo, who is also the Paramount Chief of Anfoega, described the situation as dangerous and warned that it threatens the future of the youth in the region.
He said young people are freely growing the illegal substance in towns such as Vakpo, Wusuta, and Gbefi without fear of punishment. Some of the children even smoke the drug on the farms, leading to addiction and waywardness, he added.
Togbe Hodo stressed that Ghana’s laws only allow the growing of a special type of cannabis for medical and industrial use—and only with a licence. He called on the police and other authorities to take urgent action to stop the spread of these farms.
The Paramount Chief of Vakpo, Togbe Gbogbolulu V, confirmed the issue and said the situation in his area is out of control. According to him, some of the youth involved in marijuana farming have even become violent and attack traditional leaders. He said several complaints to the police have been ignored.
Togbe Gbogbolulu also recalled that Vakpo used to be a peaceful and disciplined town. But now, he said, fear and unrest are growing because of the rising use and farming of marijuana.
The Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu, who was also present at the meeting, promised that the government would work with traditional leaders to maintain peace and order in the region. He assured the chiefs that their concerns would be addressed.
