The Abeka District Minister, Rev. Eugene Apea Owuredu, has called for a major rethinking of Ghana’s approach to combating drug and substance abuse, warning that addiction is evolving rapidly and requires innovative, adaptive strategies beyond traditional awareness campaigns.
Speaking at the 2026 Ga West Presbytery Blue Cross Conference, Rev. Owuredu stressed that the Blue Cross movement must reinvent its methods if it is to remain effective in addressing the growing menace. The conference was held under the theme: “Celebrating Our Heritage, Building on the Foundation Already Laid: Consolidating Our Gains in Prevention, Advocacy and Treatment.”
Rev. Owuredu noted that substance abuse has assumed alarming dimensions, particularly among Ghana’s youth. “Addiction is taking a new trend in our society. The Blue Cross movement must change and modify its style of fighting this canker if we are to remain relevant and effective,” he declared.
He warned that the increasing availability of narcotics and harmful substances has exposed young people to unprecedented risks, making preventive education, community vigilance, and targeted interventions more critical than ever.
The conference brought together Blue Cross branches from Abeka, Ablekuman, Kwashieman, Kaneshie, New Achimota, Mamprobi, and Dansoman, creating a platform for reflection, capacity building, and renewed commitment to the Church’s anti‑drug mission.
Rev. Owuredu urged delegates not to relent in their advocacy, emphasizing that educational institutions have become major targets for drug peddlers. “Our basic, secondary and tertiary institutions are increasingly becoming vulnerable. Our young people are being destroyed by drugs and other harmful substances. This should concern every parent, every church and every community,” he stressed.
He encouraged churches to move beyond periodic seminars by adopting innovative strategies such as mentorship, digital advocacy, community partnerships, counselling, and rehabilitation support. According to him, the Church’s mission must integrate prevention, compassion, rehabilitation, and spiritual transformation to offer lasting solutions to persons battling addiction.
Blue Cross visibility critical
Delivering a goodwill message, the Ga West Presbytery Blue Cross Coordinator and Lead of the Ga West Media Team, Rev. Immanuel Wiafe, called on all Blue Cross branches to become more visible and accessible within their congregations and communities.
Speaking on the topic, “Making Blue Cross Visible, Relevant and Transformational in Every Congregation,” Rev. Wiafe emphasized that the effectiveness of the ministry depends largely on how well members engage the communities they serve.
He proposed that every congregation establish a Blue Cross Information and Visibility Desk during worship services and major church programmes to provide education on substance abuse prevention, counselling referrals, membership recruitment, and public awareness.
“When members regularly see the Blue Cross represented visibly within the congregation, they are more likely to appreciate its relevance, support its activities and actively participate in its mission. Visibility creates awareness; awareness generates interest; and interest leads to impact,” he stated.
Rev. Wiafe further encouraged the adoption of modern approaches such as youth mentorship, social media education, confidential counselling services, partnerships with schools and health professionals, and the sharing of testimonies from transformed lives.
He emphasized that while education and advocacy remain essential, lasting transformation comes through Jesus Christ, calling on the Church to combine prevention, rehabilitation, discipleship, and prayer in confronting addiction.
“As we celebrate the heritage of the Blue Cross movement, we must recommit ourselves to building healthier individuals, stronger families and drug‑free communities to the glory of God,” he concluded.
By: Rev. Immanuel Wiafe
