Ayibwe Youth Lament High Prices Of Akpeteshie And Weed In Weija-Gbawe Municipality

Some gehetto youth of Ayibwe town, a densely populated ghetto in the Weija-Gbawe Municipality, have raised concerns over the soaring prices of akpeteshie (local gin) and marijuana.

The increases, they say, are deepening their struggles in an already challenging economic environment.

Distillers blame the hikes on increased production costs and rising taxes on alcohol. However, for the ghetto youth, the situation is eroding one of their long-standing cultural practices.

According to them Akpeteshie is not just a drink its an identity, After a long day of hustling they gather to share stories over a bottle. Now, even that small comfort is being taken away from them.

They again lamented that,the cost of marijuana has also escalated, the ghetto explained that,they use to buy and share among their selves, but now it’s like weed has become a luxury for them.

The elders of Ayibwe have expressed mixed reactions to the complaints. While some see the price hikes as an opportunity to encourage the youth to abandon habits they deem harmful, others worry that the frustrations could lead to unrest or a rise in crime.

Story by Bismark Mensah@A/R.