The Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, has revealed that approximately 200 drug addicts from the notorious Tinker Island den in Kumasi have undergone rehabilitation following its recent dismantling.

Of those treated, about 160 have been discharged, with some reunited with their families and others engaged in paid manual work in Obuasi and Kumasi.

Tinker Island, a well-known drug peddling hotspot in the heart of Kumasi, was cleared through a joint operation involving the Narcotics Control Commission, the Ghana Police Service, and the Ministry of the Interior, under the leadership of the Ashanti Regional Security Council.

Dr. Amoakohene emphasised his commitment to providing rehabilitation to help youth recover from addiction to substances such as “red” and other narcotics.

He acknowledged challenges in the reintegration process, particularly in convincing families to accept back relatives who had been involved in drug abuse.

After counselling, some families agreed, while others were supported with employment opportunities.

The Minister cautioned the youth against experimenting with drugs, warning that addiction can have long-term detrimental effects and is difficult to overcome once established.

Dr. Amoakohene made these remarks during a charity event organised by his foundation, Frankcare, which donated assorted items and cash to four rehabilitation and orphanage homes in the Kwadaso Municipality and Bosomtwe District.

The beneficiary facilities included:

Edwenase Rehabilitation Centre

Kumasi Cheshire Home

Touch a Life Care Centre

Grace and Foundation Orphanage Home

The Minister and foundation members also spent time engaging in indoor and outdoor games with children at the Touch a Life Care Centre.

He urged other NGOs and philanthropists to support such homes in their efforts to care for vulnerable groups and sustain their operations.