The Member of Parliament for Awutu Senya East, Phyllis Naa Koryoo Okunor, has rejected claims that youth in Kasoa are engaged in widespread drug use, stating that what is often perceived as substance abuse is largely the consumption of a local tea known as “ataya.”
Speaking in an interview on Metro TV’s Good Afternoon Ghana on Monday, March 16, 2026, the MP strongly pushed back against the long-standing perception linking Kasoa to drug use and “wee boys.”
“There are no wee boys in Kasoa,” she stated. “There are wee boys in Tuba. Tuba is not part of Kasoa.”
She acknowledged the presence of ghettos in some communities but dismissed suggestions that they serve as centres for drug use.
“In every Zongo community, there are ghettos. That doesn’t mean they take wee,” she explained. “My ghettos take ataya.”
Ataya, a popular tea widely consumed in many Zongo communities, featured prominently in her defence of the youth.
“They don’t smoke. Ataya is not smoke. It’s not weed,” she emphasised. “It’s a drink. It’s a tea.”
When questioned about reports that some individuals may mix substances with the drink, the MP said she had no knowledge of such practices.
“I have never seen or heard of ataya being laced with wee,” she said.
The lawmaker, who says she has lived in Kasoa for more than 25 years, maintained that she is well acquainted with the realities on the ground.
“I don’t just visit; I stay with them,” she said, referring to her engagement with young people in various communities. “I know all of them.”
She added that she personally supports some of the youth, particularly during fasting periods.
“We provide them with ataya and sugar, because ataya goes with a lot of sugar. It can be quite bitter,” she noted, adding, “I take ataya. I love ataya.”
Beyond the issue of ataya, the MP challenged what she described as a distorted narrative about Kasoa, especially regarding crime and social vices.
“There was that perception, but it is no more,” she said, pointing to what she believes is an improvement in security and reporting.
According to her, some incidents are wrongly attributed to Kasoa.
“Something happens around Weija, and it is labelled as Weija-Kasoa. It is not Kasoa,” she said.
She urged the public to reconsider their perception of the area, describing Kasoa as a safe and thriving community.
“Kasoa has everything,” she said. “All the good things you need in life are also in Kasoa.”
