Beneath Ghana’s strides in education and economic development lies a hidden challenge: the sharp rise in hard drug addiction. Experts warn that unless urgent action is taken, this silent epidemic could derail national progress and rob a generation of its potential.
From the busy streets of the cities to remote villages, the presence of heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine (“Ice”), and other narcotics is becoming alarmingly visible. Experts warn that this surge is being fuelled by a mix of economic, social, and systemic factors:
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Unemployment and hardship: With limited opportunities, many young people—especially graduates and the underprivileged—are falling prey to drugs as an escape from despair.
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Easy availability: Trafficking and informal markets have made hard drugs accessible even in unsuspecting corners of the country.
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Low awareness: Inadequate education on drug dangers leaves many vulnerable to peer pressure and misinformation.
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Stigma and poor treatment options: Fear of judgment keeps many from seeking help, while the few rehabilitation facilities available remain costly and overstretched.
Families in Pain
The consequences are heartbreaking. Overdoses claim young lives, while crime, poverty, and broken homes trail in addiction’s wake.
Healthcare professionals echo her concerns. “We’re overwhelmed,” says Dr. Kwame Appiah, a physician at an Accra hospital. “We’re seeing rising cases of heart failure, liver disease, and severe mental health problems caused by drug use. Resources are stretched to the limit, and we urgently need more support.”
A Call for Urgent Action
Stakeholders warn that Ghana risks losing a generation if bold steps are not taken immediately. They call for:
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Tougher enforcement to disrupt trafficking networks.
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Investment in education and public awareness to empower young people.
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Expanded, affordable rehabilitation and treatment services nationwide.
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Social interventions to tackle poverty, joblessness, and inequality.
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Reducing stigma so that those struggling with addiction can seek help without fear.
The future of Ghana’s youth—and the nation itself—hangs in the balance. Without swift and coordinated action, the grip of hard drugs will only tighten, eroding progress and deepening despair. Ghana’s greatest resource is its young people, and saving them from addiction is no longer a choice—it is an urgent national imperative.
related content on other portals: https://fdaghana.gov.gh/programmes/youth-drug-prevention/
https://www.ajol.info/index.php/ajesms/article/view/38581
The Root Causes of Substance Use Disorder: Beyond Peer Pressure
Drug abuse is a menace which needs to be tackled with all seriousness.
Hmmm