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Damango wages war on shisha smoking among minors

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Shisha smoking on the rise

Troubled and anxious citizens in Damongo of the Savannah Region have expressed concerns about the number of young people, believed to be under the age of 18, involved in ‘shisha’ smoking in pubs and drinking spots within the township.

Eyewitnesses say the minors were seen patronising nightlife venues, where Shisha smoking happen in the open.

The situation has sparked renewed public concern over the enforcement of child protection laws and regulations governing the operations of entertainment centres in the municipality and country as a whole.

An eyewitness, who spoke to The Spectator on conditions of anonymity for security reasons, noted that the situation was becoming increasingly common.

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“This is not a one-off incident. It is becoming very common, but residents like us cannot openly report or speak about it because our lives will be at risk,” he said.

Under Ghanaian law, minors were prohibited from patronising Shisha.

Public health experts have consistently warned that shisha use exposes users to harmful substances that can negatively affect brain development, respiratory health, and overall well-being, particularly among young people.

The residents believe the alleged incidents point to broader challenges relating to youth supervision, substance abuse, and weak enforcement of existing regulations and have called on municipal authorities, security agencies, and regulatory bodies to intensify monitoring of pubs and entertainment centres to ensure compliance with the law.

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In an effort to address the menace, Mr Salisu Be-Awurbi, the Savannah Regional Minister, has led public education campaigns, engaged security agencies, and supported enforcement actions to address the rising use of illicit substances in the region.

Wura Kelly Seidu Boresah I, the Chief of Damongo, has also called on all stakeholders including parents, community leaders, institutions, and young people to actively support efforts to curb drug abuse, warning that the rising consumption of hard drugs poses a serious health threat to the future of the youth in the Savannah Region.

He also cautioned individuals involved in the sale and distribution of illicit drugs to immediately desist from the practice, stressing that offenders will face arrest and prosecution in accordance with the law.

From Geoffrey Buta, Damongo, Savannah Region

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Henry Brew Gardner declares intent to contest Agona West NDC Youth Organizer position

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Entrepreneur, Henry Brew Gardner has officially declared his intention to contest for the position of Agona West Constituency Youth Organizer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the upcoming constituency elections.

In a declaration statement, Mr. Gardner said he is stepping forward with humility, courage and commitment to the progress of the constituency.

“I am stepping forward because Agona West deserves a Youth Wing that is active, united, organized, visible, disciplined, and ready to work,” he stated.

According to him, his decision to serve the NDC in Agona West is not for personal glory but a call to service, to unite the youth, strengthen the grassroots and build a formidable youth front capable of winning elections.

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“Our youth are not merely the future — we are the energy, strength, voice, and engine of our party today. We must therefore create a youth wing where every young person feels valued, heard, represented, and empowered to contribute,” he added.

Mr. Gardner said he believes in leadership that listens, engages, builds bridges and puts collective interest above personal ambition.

He outlined his vision to organize the grassroots, mobilize the youth, strengthen structures, promote unity, identify opportunities, support young people and build a stronger political force in every branch and ward of Agona West.

“I am not coming to divide. I am coming to unite. I am not coming to compete with our youth. I am coming to work with them. I am not coming for a title. I am coming to serve,” he declared.

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He called for prayers, support and guidance, rallying the youth with the message: “Agona West Youth, Our Time Is Now!”

By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme

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Education Ministry to review CSSPS after current placement exercise

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The Ministry of Education says it will establish a Technical Working Committee to conduct a comprehensive review of the Computerised School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS) after the current placement exercise.

The Ministry said the review follows a call by the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference for greater transparency, accountability and an eventual review of the system.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, the Ministry maintained that the CSSPS is fundamentally a merit-based system, with merit taking precedence over protocol in the placement of qualified candidates.

It explained that the system is designed to ensure that placement decisions are based on established criteria and that qualified students are treated fairly.

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However, the Ministry acknowledged the need to continuously improve and strengthen the placement system.

According to it, the Technical Working Committee will examine the various components of the CSSPS, identify areas that require improvement and recommend measures to make the system more transparent and accountable.

The review will seek to ensure that the CSSPS remains credible, efficient, fair and responsive to the needs of students, parents and schools.

The Ministry further stressed that CSSPS placement is free and warned parents and candidates against paying money to secure a placement or have a placement changed.

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It urged any parent or guardian with credible evidence that an official of the Ministry of Education, Ghana Education Service, CSSPS Secretariat, Ghana Technical Vocational Education and Training or any third party is demanding money for placement services to report the matter to the appropriate law enforcement authorities.

The Ministry assured that the identity of persons who report such cases will be protected.

The Education Ministry said it remains committed to protecting the integrity of the CSSPS and ensuring that merit, fairness and transparency remain central to the placement process.

By: Jacob Aggrey

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