Youth activist, entrepreneur and politician Delle K. Martin has issued a strong appeal to young people in Nandom Municipality to reject political insults, intolerance and violence, while urging authorities to take decisive action against the rising tide of illicit drug use among the youth.
In a press statement titled “A Call for Responsible Politics and Action Against Illicit Drugs,” Mr Martin warned that the twin challenges of toxic political discourse and drug abuse threaten to undermine the future of Nandom’s young people and the broader development of the municipality.
“Youth are the foundation of our municipality”
Mr Martin Delle, a youth and a prominent New Patriotic Party (NPP) figure in Nandom, described the youth as the present and future workforce and leaders who will shape the direction of communities and Ghana in the years ahead.
“Politics—whether intra-party or inter-party—should provide a platform for the exchange of ideas and alternative policies,” he said, lamenting that political conversations have increasingly been marked by reckless insults, intolerance and, in some cases, violence.
He urged young people to shun all forms of political insults and violence, and instead focus on personal development and respectful, constructive conversations that promote peace, unity and progress.
Alarm over rising drug abuse among youth
Beyond politics, Mr Martin expressed deep concern over the growing use of illicit drugs among young people in Nandom Municipality and across Ghana, describing the trend as “alarmingly common” and a threat to productive lives.
He noted that drug abuse is contributing to violence, crime, ill health and social instability within communities, and called on traditional and religious leaders, civil society organisations, security agencies and government to take urgent and decisive measures.
His proposed response includes stronger public education, effective law enforcement, rehabilitation programmes and the creation of meaningful opportunities for young people.
A shared responsibility for a safer Nandom
Mr Martin concluded his statement with a call for collective responsibility, urging all stakeholders to work together to make Nandom a better, safer and more prosperous place.
“As young people, we have a shared responsibility to make Nandom a better, safer and more prosperous place. Let us reject political violence, insults and illicit drugs, and work together to build a community founded on respect, responsibility, peace and development,” he said.
The statement comes amid heightened political activity in Nandom, where Mr Martin recently withdrew from the NPP parliamentary primaries to promote party unity, even as other aspirants continue to contest the ticket ahead of the 2028 elections.
