Rising drug abuse among Ghana’s youth sparks national concern

Illicit drug abuse has become a pervasive global challenge, with Ghana’s youth increasingly caught in its grip. The troubling trend has far-reaching consequences for individuals, families, and the nation’s development. Experts warn that the ease of access to harmful substances, coupled with the pressures of modern life, has fueled a steady rise in youth drug use.

Commonly Abused Substances

Marijuana, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and prescription opioids are among the most frequently abused drugs. While some of these substances are prescribed in hospitals for specific conditions, health professionals caution that unsupervised use can result in dependence, addiction, and severe health complications.

Root Causes and Vulnerability

Drug abuse is often linked to peer pressure, emotional stress, unstable family backgrounds, mental health challenges, and even sexual enhancement. Research by the Ghana News Agency (GNA) shows that late adolescence to early adulthood is the most vulnerable period.
A 25-year-old marijuana user in Keta told GNA he began using ganja at age nine after being introduced by a friend in primary school. Today, he occasionally turns to opioids “for strength to work long hours.” He added that substances are easily accessible in ghettos, drinking spots, and even some drug stores across the municipality.

Health Impacts and Expert Warnings

Mr. Che Sorkpor, a mental health practitioner at the Keta Municipal Hospital, underscored the devastating consequences of drug abuse. These include organ damage, overdose risks, and mental disorders. He stressed that community vigilance and parental guidance are crucial in shielding youth from harmful influences.

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NGOs and Community Interventions

With an estimated 50,000 drug users nationwide—35,000 of them students aged 12 to 35—NGOs have intensified efforts to curb the menace. Organizations such as TOLEC Ghana, PADDI Foundation, Youth Against Alcoholism and Drug Dependency (YADD), ActionAid Ghana, and Green Africa Youth Organization are leading rehabilitation and awareness campaigns. Statistics reveal that nearly 50% of youth mental health cases are drug-related.

Social and Economic Impact

The ripple effects extend beyond health, straining law enforcement, reducing productivity, and inflating healthcare costs. Many students, even at the tertiary level, have grown dependent on substances, impairing their academic and social functioning.

Tackling the Crisis

Stakeholders agree that a multi-pronged approach is needed:

• Education and Awareness: Robust campaigns in schools and communities.
• Law Enforcement: Stronger police and immigration crackdowns on drug trafficking.
• Regulation: The Food and Drugs Authority is working with security forces to dismantle drug hotspots.
• Policy Collaboration: Government, educators, and health providers aligning on prevention and treatment.

Ghana’s Stark Statistics

• Prevalence: 50,000 drug users nationwide; 35,000 are students (12–35).
• Substances: Shisha (48%), Tramadol (24%), Marijuana (8.2%), Cocaine (3.8%), plus “RED.”
• Age of Initiation: 60% between 15–17 years; 12% between 12–14.
• Sources: 79.8% from friends; 12% from theft; 8.2% from dealers.
• Perception: 88.4% believe drug abuse has long-term consequences.
• Help-Seeking: 58.4% know of support centers, but only 41.6% are willing to seek help.

Enforcement and Convictions

The Narcotics Control Commission seized 8,704 kg of illicit drugs in 2020, 15,458 kg in 2021, and a record 59,900 kg in 2022. Convictions remain modest, however, with seven in 2020, 12 in 2021, and 13 in 2022.

A Global Challenge

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has expressed alarm over rising global drug use, urging countries, including Ghana, to scale up education, treatment, and evidence-based interventions.

Community Voices and Government Response

Residents of Keta lament the rise in theft, violence, and indiscipline linked to drug abuse. They are calling for stricter by-laws and more youth empowerment opportunities.
Meanwhile, Mr. George Opare Addo, Minister of Youth Development and Empowerment, disclosed that a recent survey found 12% of tertiary students use cocaine, 11% heroin, and 59% consume weed edibles.

Conclusion

Drug abuse among Ghanaian youth is a multi-dimensional crisis demanding urgent, collective action. From policymakers and NGOs to families and community leaders, all hands are needed on deck to prevent further devastation, rehabilitate victims, and secure the future of Ghana’s young people.