Madina, Accra — In a bold community-driven move to tackle the growing menace of drug abuse and open drug peddling, residents of Madina Zongo have inaugurated a Neighborhood Watch Committee under the initiative, United Madina Zongo Against Illicit Drugs. The program, spearheaded by Ishaq Abubakar Zico Newton, Executive Director of the Mother of All Nations Foundation and President of West Madina Development Foundation was launched on the forecourt of the Dagadu Chief’s Palace under the auspices of the Paramount Chief of Madina Zongo, in partnership with the Office of the Member of Parliament for Madina, Hon. Francis Xavier Sosu, and the Ghana Police Service.
Speaking during the inauguration, Zico Newton described the movement as a “homegrown solution” by the people of Madina to sanitize their community and support the police in maintaining peace and order.
“The influx of drugs in our community is increasing, with people smoking and selling in the open without fear. The police are doing their best, but they cannot do it alone,” he said. “As young people, we decided it’s time to rise and support the Ghana Police Service to ensure that the open use and sale of drugs are completely eradicated.”
According to him, the initiative seeks to protect the majority of Madina’s youth from the influence of a small group involved in drug-related activities. “If 20% are engaged in drug use, we must protect the remaining 80%. Our goal is to stop the normalization of drug use that children witness daily,” he added.
Zico Newton noted that committee members have been trained by the Ghana Police Service to identify, engage, and counsel drug users and dealers peacefully. Where dialogue fails, the police will intervene to enforce the law. He also disclosed that plans are underway to establish a fast-track court process to prosecute offenders swiftly, serving as a deterrent to others.
Police Commends Community Partnership
Chief Superintendent Sylvanus Azure, the Madina District Police Commander, lauded the formation of the committee, describing it as a “visionary and timely initiative.”
“Policing is a shared responsibility. The police cannot do it alone. This noble idea will help identify drug peddlers and reduce crime within the Madina Municipality,” he stated.
In his address, Chief Supt. Azure urged committee members to uphold discipline, respect for the law, and professionalism in carrying out their duties. He emphasized that they are ambassadors of peace and must rely on dialogue and police support when dealing with difficult situations.
“Dialogue solves problems better than confrontation. Words, when spoken with wisdom and patience, can calm storms that weapons cannot,” he advised.
Community and Religious Leaders Endorse the Initiative
The Chief Imam of Madina Zongo, Sheikh Salman Mohammed Alhassan, encouraged the committee to remain humble and law-abiding in their duties.
“You are not the police but partners in ensuring peace. When you see wrongdoing, advise and report to the police — do not take the law into your own hands,” he cautioned. “We know you and trust you. Keep that trust and serve with sincerity.”
Representing the MP for Madina, Dr. Nasiba Taahir, Acting Deputy Executive Secretary of the Ghana Refugee Board, reaffirmed Hon. Sosu’s support for the initiative.
“The MP is deeply committed to addressing the crisis of illicit drugs in Madina. He has donated GH¢10,000 to support the activities of this program and will continue to monitor its progress,” she announced.
Madina MCE Calls for Collective Action
The Municipal Chief Executive for Madina, Hon. Ibrahim Faila, also commended the initiative, calling for broader community involvement to “reset and redefine Madina.”
“Madina must not be known for drug abuse, prostitution, or lawlessness. We must return to the disciplined community we once were,” he said. “We need the support of our chiefs, imams, and residents to make this transformation possible.”
He further urged members of the Watch Committee to resist any form of bribery or compromise that could undermine their mission.
“You are entrusted with the safety of Madina. Protect your integrity — no amount of money is worth your honor,” he cautioned.
Sustaining a Homegrown Solution
Zico Newton emphasized that the initiative will be sustained through community ownership and collaboration with key stakeholders, including the Ghana Police Service and the Narcotics Control Commission.
“This is a homegrown solution — generated, supported, managed, and supervised by the community. The people of Madina have taken ownership of this initiative because they want to see change,” he said.
The inauguration ceremony was graced by traditional leaders, religious figures, youth groups, and security officials, all pledging their support toward making Madina Zongo a model of community-driven safety and development.
Story by Eugene Nyarko Jnr.
