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Addiction counsellor advises youth… Stay away from alcohol, it can ruin your life
Don Richie looked older at 45 years and battling alcoholism (left) than at 50 and overcoming it
When Richard Nii Adjei Otchwemah decided to celebrate his completion of secondary school with alcoholic drinks, little did he know it was going to be the beginning of a long battle with alcoholism for almost 30 years of his life.
‘The Don’ or ‘Don Richie,’ as he was called, because he was always the boss and leader of most activities among his friends, recalled that after their final exam, he and some of his friends decided to do something adventurous to celebrate completion of that level of education.
“Right at the gate of the school, someone was selling palm wine and so we had a good taste of it,” Mr Otchwemah, who is now an Addiction Counsellor disclosed this in an interview with The Spectator on the sidelines of an occasion to celebrate persons who had recovered from substance abuse at the House of St. Francis Alcohol and Drug Addiction Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre in Ashaiman.
He said while waiting for his results, he was taken out regularly by a friend to have a bottle or two of beer.
“Drinking alcohol was not a habit until after Sixth Form when I was posted to a remote village to do my National Service. It was without electricity and water. The food was also bad so the only thing providing us with joy was hard liquor (akpeteshie), which was providing the ‘appetite’ to enjoy the meal” he narrated.
“But at home, I could eat without the alcohol as appetite because the food was good.”
He said after his graduation from University, he got married and was still drinking, recalling how he took his wife to drink.
That continued after marriage as his crave for alcohol became persistent while his wife became concerned and started expressing her displeasure about it.
Mr Otchwemah stated that in the process, he lost his influence on his family and community which previously considered him as a role model and very responsible person.
As if that was not enough, alcoholism affected him greatly when pursuing a Master’s programme. He struggled to study and procrastinated on things to do.
Consequently, he felt his life was moving backwards and begin to lose his friends, family and even his job because he sometimes missed some days at work due to drinking.
The Addiction Counsellor said he spent almost all his time at drinking bars and preferred to be with like-minded people in order not to be discriminated upon.
In the process, he sometimes found himself on the wrong side of the law due to excessive drinking and also sustained various degrees of injuries from falls or fights caused by his drinking habit.
The turning point for him was when some old friends who had shown him so much love and respect over the years spoke to him passionately about the developments in his life and the need for him to get help.
He noted that there was an earlier attempt by some family members to get him to seek help from a rehabilitation centre but he returned home after a month and started drinking again.
According to him, that attempt did not work because he had gone there out of frustration due to the pressure from his friends and a desire to make them happy.
The 50-year old narrated that the approach by his friends did not sound manipulative and so in August 2019, he decided to seek professional help from the House of St. Francis.
“And to the glory of God, I am back to my old self. The last month of August was exactly five since I tasted alcohol. I communicate well and I am polite with people. I say sorry when I offend them and also communicate well if I have concerns about issues without resorting to alcohol. I have not taken alcohol for five years and the good news is that I am helping others to do same,” he said.
He says it was important for society to treat persons battling addiction of any form with love and respect.
“Such people must be treated with respect. If possible, such people should be referred to persons who they respect and have a lot of regard for, because the process is all about conviction.”
He says after recovery, those who helped them should not use the roles they played as an opportunity to manipulate, blackmail or disrespect them otherwise they might relapse out of frustration.
The Addiction Counsellor appealed to the Ministry for Education and the Ghana Education Service (GES) to vigorously start a campaign to get students in the Junior and Senior High Schools to be educated on the dangers of alcohol.
He noted that the focus had over the years been on drugs and weed to the neglect of alcohol which is also destructive to its users.
For the youth, the best advice he could offer them was to abstain from alcohol because it has the potential to destroy them.
From Dzifa Tetteh Tay, Ashaiman
Long before Accra fully wakes, Nima is already alive. From dawn, the call to prayer rises across the community as worshippers move quietly through narrow streets toward nearby mosques. Not far away, market women arrange tomatoes, onions, pepper, and smoked fish on wooden tables, while vendors prepare warm bowls of Hausa koko for workers starting their day early.
This is Nima, one of Accra’s oldest, busiest, and most culturally vibrant communities.
For residents, Nima is more than a place. It is identity, family, struggle, faith, and survival woven tightly into everyday life. It is a community where life is shared and survival is collective.
Nima traces its roots to the colonial era, when migrants from northern Ghana and neighbouring West African countries settled in Accra in search of work and opportunity. Many arrived with little, but over time built a strong and closely knit community shaped by hard work, faith, and mutual support.
The origin of the name Nima is widely debated. Some link it to the Ga language, where “Nii” refers to a king and “mann” to a city, loosely interpreted as “city of the king.” Others trace it to the Arabic word “Ni’ma,” meaning “blessings,” reflecting the community’s strong Islamic influence.
Regardless of its origin, Nima remains one of Ghana’s largest and oldest Zongo communities, with roots stretching back to the 19th century.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
In a music landscape often defined by trends and tempo, George Nii Odai Oliver widely known as DJ Rev stands out as a man on a mission.
More than just a DJ, he is a minister, mentor, and youth advocate who has found a unique calling at the intersection of sound and spirituality.
Beyond the decks, DJ Rev is a devoted husband and a committed servant of God.
His life is anchored in purpose, with a deep passion for youth development. As the Technical Director at Christ for Youth International (CYI), a global youth ministry, he plays a significant role in shaping young lives, not only through words but also through music.
His journey in ministry began early, including his role as a founding member of the Ambassadors Christian Rap Group, where he first explored the power of music as a tool for transformation.
The name ‘DJ Rev’ derived from ‘Reverend,’ reflects both his spiritual identity and his mission to ignite atmospheres much like revving an engine with high-energy gospel music.
For him, every performance goes beyond entertainment; it becomes a moment of worship, revival, and connection with God.
His journey into DJing started from a fascination with music and technology during his younger years in Ghana.
Drawn to the ability of DJs to influence mood and unite people, he identified a gap in the Christian music space, which was someone who could seamlessly blend urban sounds with gospel messages. Starting from small church events and youth programmes, DJ Rev gradually honed his craft into what he now describes as a full-fledged calling.
Like many success stories, his path was not without challenges; he had limited access to equipment, skepticism about gospel DJing, and the difficulty of balancing ministry with performance all tested his resolve.
Yet, through persistence, faith, and support from mentors and the Christian community, he rose above these obstacles. Borrowing equipment, learning on the job, and staying grounded in prayer became part of his journey.
A defining moment in his career came when he realised that DJing was more than a passion; it was ministry.
Witnessing lives being transformed during his sets, seeing people move from dancing into deep worship, and watching young talents he mentored flourish affirmed his purpose.
DJ Rev’s style is best described as high-energy, spirit-led, and versatile. He effortlessly blends hip-hop, Afrobeats, dancehall, reggae, and urban gospel into seamless mixes that resonate with diverse audiences.
His signature approach is what he enthusiastically calls ‘Energyyyy! saying it is not just about hype, but about creating moments that touch both body and soul.
What sets him apart in Ghana’s DJ industry is his unwavering commitment to ministry-first performances. While many DJs focus solely on entertainment, DJ Rev uses his platform to create spaces where faith and music coexist powerfully. His technical expertise, drawn from his role in ministry, combined with his passion for mentorship, gives him a distinctive edge.
Over the years, he has witnessed significant growth in Ghana’s DJ industry, with increased recognition, technological advancement, and global influences such as Amapiano shaping the soundscape.
Notably, he has contributed to pushing gospel music into mainstream spaces, particularly through his popular Amapiano Gospel mixes.
Among his most memorable performances are events like Oasis Gathering, Sound Fest, and Saved to Serve platforms where music transcended performance into powerful spiritual encounters.
“These are moments that define success, lives touched, hearts uplifted, and faith renewed,” DJ Rev stated
Away from the spotlight, he embraces a quieter, more reflective life. He enjoys spending time with family, mentoring young people, engaging in ministry work, and pursuing simple hobbies like gardening and DIY projects.
For him, a perfect day off includes moments of prayer, meaningful conversations, and peaceful retreats, often in serene locations like Cape Coast or the Volta Region.
Despite his achievements, DJ Rev remains grounded. He acknowledges the challenges he has faced, ranging from limited resources to balancing ministry and career, but credits his resilience to faith, community support, and a clear sense of purpose.
These experiences have taught him invaluable lessons about perseverance, humility, and authenticity.
Looking ahead, DJ Rev aims to expand his ministry through music both locally and internationally, release more projects, mentor emerging talents, and further establish gospel DJ culture in Ghana. His ultimate desire is to be remembered as a pioneer who brought revival through music, blending excellence with unashamed faith.
To young aspiring DJs, his message is clear: master your craft, stay consistent, build character, and never lose sight of your purpose.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
