The fight against drug addiction is facing a major setback as under-resourced rehabilitation centres struggle to sustain their services.
FRHab rehabilitation centre, providing mental health and addiction support to over 80 victims of drug abuse, operates without streamlined funding from the government or major institutions.
The centre is appealing for public support to expand its facilities, ease operations, and sustain its life-saving work to prevent inmates from abandoning treatment prematurely.
Michael, a 47-year-old addict, is presently in Kumasi and has begun a journey of recovery at the FRHab rehabilitation centre.
His recalcitrance, induced by drugs, caused his arrest from Thinker Island, a hideout for drug addicts.
A transformative decision he is thankful for taking
“I have been for six years. I was arrested by a thinker in Kumasi, and I think the arrest has helped me a lot. It has taken my mind off smoking and drugs. We get fed here and there are friends around. So I am glad of this decision,” he said.
This positive story mirrors many of the inmates at the FRHab rehabilitation centre at Dwumakwa in the Juaben Municipality.
But present setbacks, including overcrowding and lack of resources, administrators warn, will erode the gains of rehabilitation efforts.
Facility Manager Reginald Akom emphasised the need for expanding the facility and having a streamlined funding capacity.
“The facility is a faith-based organisation, housing over 80 victims of drug abuse. As an NGO, we depend on the benevolence of others to survive. And FRhab so far does not have streamlined funding from the government or bigger entities.
“So, this place is even more crowded, and we have eyed a different location with a bigger space to accommodate us. So, we entreat entities to come to our aid. It could be tangibles and building materials, and we will be glad. It will support our work massively,” he said.
This was disclosed when the Narcotics Unit of the Ashanti Regional Police Command undertook a responsive intervention in line with JoyNews’ ‘Deadly Doses’ documentary and drug addiction advocacy.
The visit involved sensitisation for inmates and provision of some essentials, including rice, oil, and toiletries, to support the facility.
Some cash donations were also from the Narcotics unit, Ashanti Police service, Manhyia South member of parliament’s office, and Divine Charismatic Ministry.
Overseer of the Divine Charismatic Ministry, Apostle Twum Berima, further emphasised the role of individuals and crowd support.
“It’s apparent that we support this facility for the role it plays in our society. If we are committed to keeping our societies safe and helping the vulnerable young people, then we must take up this responsibility as individuals and institutions,” he said.