As part of the 57th Greater Accra Maulid celebrations, the Islamic Foundation for Peace and Development (IFPAD) organized a symposium on drug abuse for young adults. The event, held on Saturday, January 11, 2025 at the Upper Foyer of the Alhaji Kpeje Mosque in Shukura, brought together experts from various fields to discuss the growing menace of drug abuse and its impact on the Muslim community.

The symposium featured a panel of distinguished speakers, including a legal practitioner – Dr. Mohammed Hamisu Esq, the head of Education at the Narcotics Control Board – Brother Abdul Aziz Ali, and an Islamic cleric – Sheikh Abdul Hakeem. Each speaker brought their unique perspective to the discussion, highlighting the legal, social, and spiritual implications of drug abuse.

Brother Aziz took time to elaborate the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing drug abuse, including education, prevention, and rehabilitation. He shared insights into the current trends and challenges in combating drug abuse, while also placing emphasis on Drug Abuse and Drug Misuse. Dr. Hamish Esq emphasized the need all to be abreast with the legal implications of drug abuse. He also took the gathering through the prosecution process. On the other hand Sheikh Abdul Hakeem provided some guidance on the Islamic perspective on drug abuse and the importance of seeking help and support.

One of the notable aspects of the symposium was the presence of Community and Tribal Cheifs at the gathering. This showed the level of reverance such topics and gathering are to the community. We had students attedning from various madrasas including the host madrasa. The event provided a valuable opportunity for these young minds to engage with experts and learn about the dangers of drug abuse.

In his closing remarks, the Chairman of the occasion, Brother Anas Musah – President of the Ansarudeen Old Students Association m emphasized the need for collective action to prevent drug abuse and promote a healthy and productive lifestyle among Muslims. The event served as a call to action for the Muslim community to come together and address this growing concern.

The symposium was organized in partnership with the Mukhtar Adam Foundation (MAF) and Ansaruden Islamic School.