Features
Drug Abuse ….the new normal
Drug abuse must be curbed
Ghana, known for its vibrant and lively youth, now faces crisis as drug abuse takes the centre stage.
In recent years, drug abuse has seeped into the very fabric of society, with the younger generation gripped by its pervasive influence. Parents, educators, and policymakers alike are sounding the alarm as the new normal threatens the future of the Ghanaian youth.
In this in-depth article, we shall delve into the root causes of this epidemic, explore the various substances fuelling the trend, and examine the dire consequences it has on the nation’s most valuable asset – “The Youth”.
Drug abuse is commonly described as the excessive and detrimental utilsation of various substances, which encompass both illegal drugs and the inappropriate usage of prescription medications. It entails the repetitive and compulsive intake of these substances beyond their intended purposes, resulting in adverse effects on the person’s physical and mental health, interpersonal connections and general welfare.
The rise in drug abuse has caught the attention of many. Something that once served as a gathering for bonding and joyous experience now serve as platforms for risky drug trials. This once-hidden issue has emerged from obscurity, posing a profound challenge to the core values of the Ghanaian society.
Factors influencing the epidemic
Various factors have contributed to the rise of drug abuse among the Ghanaian youth, casting a cloud of uncertainty over the nation’s future.
One of the many factors is the socio-economic differences in society. The widening gap between the rich and poor has left many disillusioned and desperate, driving them towards drugs as a coping mechanism for their struggles.
Also, the rapid urbanisation of Ghana has led to a sense of disconnection from traditional values, pushing the youth towards drugs as a means of belonginess and acceptance.
Another factor that has a high influence on the epidemic is the influence of the media. The glorification of drug culture in popular music, movies, and social media has permeated the psyche of impressionable minds, normalising dangerous behaviour.
The lack of mental health support is also a factor as it has forced some individuals to turn to drugs as self-medication, exacerbating the issue. The glamour of substances as an escape from life’s hardships has captivated the younger generation, leading to a notable rise in usage.
Substances in Vogue
Variety of substances has gained popularity among Ghana’s young generation, each carrying its own appeal and dangers. Some of these drugs such as marijuana which is commonly referred to as “wee” or “ganja,” has medicinal benefits and easily availability thus making it the preferred drug for many.
The abuse of tramadol, a painkiller has surged due to its numbing effects, leading to addiction and severe health problems.
Codeine Cough Syrup which is often mixed with soda or energy drinks and known as “lean” or “purple drank”, has become a hazardous trend among the youth, resulting in health risks and addiction.
Shisha also known as “hookah” has gained popularity among the Ghanaian youth as a social and recreational activity. Flavoured tobacco, often in various appealing flavours, is smoked using a water pipe. Despite the perception of being less harmful than cigarettes, shisha smoking still poses health risks, including nicotine addiction and exposure to harmful chemicals released during the smoking process.
Consequences of the New Normal
As the drug abuse epidemic becomes the new norm among the Ghanaian youth, the effects reverberate far and wide, casting a dark shadow over individuals and the nation as a whole.
The long-term abuse of drugs takes a devastating toll on physical and mental health.
Drug Users and abusers face increased risks of chronic diseases, respiratory issues, and mental disorders. The burden on the healthcare system escalates as treatment and rehabilitation demand more resources, hindering the nation’s ability to provide quality healthcare to all.
Drug abuse again, significantly disrupts cognitive abilities, affecting academic performance among the youth. Diminished focus, memory lapses, and impaired decision-making hinder their potential to excel in education. Consequently, the future workforce faces diminished productivity and struggles to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s development.
The pursuit of money to sustain drug habits propels some youth towards criminal activities. Engaging in theft, robbery, or drug-related offenses becomes a desperate means to fuel their addiction. The vicious cycle of crime and violence further destabiliszes communities, undermining the safety and well-being of all citizens.
With a growing population of unproductive and unhealthy individuals, Ghana is likely to face economic challenges. Drug abuse depletes the workforce’s potential, limiting economic growth and prosperity. Increased dependence on social welfare systems strains government resources, diverting funds that could have been invested in vital developmental projects.
Addressing the Crises
To combat the pressing issue of substance addiction, a comprehensive and multifaceted approach is necessary. Drawing upon the insights of experts, healthcare professionals, and support groups, the following strategies emerge as key elements in addressing the crisis.
Medications such as Methadone, Buprenorphine, Naltrexone, and Lofexidine play a vital role in moderating withdrawal symptoms during opioid addiction treatment. However, it is crucial to conduct thorough investigations and involve specialists to tailor treatment plans to individual needs, as certain conditions may require special attention.
Also, Psychotherapy including evidence-based approaches such as Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), are essential components of addiction treatment. These therapies help individuals understand and manage triggers, develop coping mechanisms, and promote behavioural change.
Another element in managing the crisis is Detoxification which involves managing withdrawal symptoms while aiming for abstinence. This process is guided by the principle of cross-tolerance, wherein one addictive substance is replaced with another and gradually withdrawn. Regular follow-up and monitoring of individuals with substance use disorders are crucial to track treatment progress, identify necessary adjustments, and provide ongoing support.
Leveraging local resources and support groups is integral to the recovery journey. In Ghana, organisations like the Hopeful Way Foundation and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health provide vital support to individuals and families affected by addiction. The Mental Health Authority also plays a crucial role in providing resources and guidance. Support groups also provide a sense of community, understanding, and encouragement, facilitating the recovery process for those grappling with addiction.
Conclusion
The consequences of the drug abuse epidemic in Ghana are evident and demand immediate attention. As a nation, we must confront this issue with unwavering resolve and solidarity. Intensively educating the youth about the risks of drug abuse, ensuring easily accessible rehabilitation services, strengthening law enforcement, and prioritising mental health support are crucial measures to combat this pressing crisis. Additionally, with the recent passing of the law legalising cannabis for medicinal use, there is the need to monitor its potential impact on drug use trends.
Addressing the growing acceptance of drug abuse will guide Ghana towards a brighter and healthier future for its youth and the entire nation. By joining forces, we can rekindle hope, resilience, and prosperity for generations to come.
By Josephine Nyorkor Ntreh
Level 300 student, Ghana
Institute of Journalism (GIJ)
When Abigail Fremah steps up to the Armwrestling table, the noise fades, the tension settles, and order takes over.
Despite a calm, but firm and meticulous disposition, she has become one of the quiet forces shaping Ghana’s growing reputation in the sport, not as an athlete, but a referee trusted on the continental stage.
Abigail’s journey into Armwrestling did not begin at the table. Like many Ghanaian sports enthusiasts, she grew up playing several disciplines. Football was her first love, but she also featured in volleyball and basketball during her school years. Sports, she says, was simply a way of life not just for her.
“It runs through the family. All my siblings are into sports,” she stated.
“I was involved in almost every sport in school, football, volleyball, netball, hockey; I did everything,” she recalls.
Her academic background in Health, Physical Education and Recreation laid a solid foundation for her sporting career. While on scholarship at the university (University of Cape Coast), she often used her modest budget to support young athletes, sometimes sharing skills and even T-shirts at programmes she attended. Giving back, she explains, has always been part of her motivation.
However, as she matured as an athlete, Abigail made a critical self-assessment.
“Armwrestling involves a lot of strength,” she admits. “Looking at my body type, I realised I couldn’t fit properly as a competitive athlete.”
That moment of honesty pushed her to a different trajectory but equally important path in sports; which is officiating.
During her National Service, she was encouraged by Mr Charles Osei Asibey, the President of the Ghana Armwrestling Federation (GAF), to consider officiating. He introduced her to a technical official, Mr Hussein Akuerteh Addy, who formally took her through the basics of Armwrestling officiating in 2021.
“I started as a case official,” she says. “We moved from region to region every week, officiating competitions. That’s where it all began.”
By 2022, Abigail was actively involved in national assignments, though she missed the African Championship that year. Her breakthrough came in 2023, when Ghana hosted the African Armwrestling Championship.
It was her first experience officiating at a major international competition and it changed everything.
“That was my first national and international exposure at the same time,” she says. “It really opened my eyes.”
Today, Abigail is a World Junior Armwrestling Referee, a status earned through performance, consistency and discipline. She explains that progression in officiating was not automatic.
“It’s all about performance, your appearance at African Championships, your conduct, how you handle pressure; that’s what takes you to the world level,” she stressed.
As a referee, Abigail’s priority is safety and fairness. Armwrestling, she notes, comes with risks, particularly injuries to the wrists, elbows, shoulders and arms.
“If athletes don’t follow the rules or refuse to listen to officials, injuries can happen,” she explains, adding that focus was everything.
Before every match, she ensures that all equipment which includes elbow pads, hand pegs and table alignment were properly set. Athletes are not allowed to cover their elbows, must grip correctly, and must follow the referee’s commands precisely.
“We make sure everything is fixed before the grip,” she says. “Once we say ‘Ready… Go’, there should be no confusion.”
She is also firm on discipline. Warnings are issued for infractions, and repeated misconduct attracts penalties.
“The referee must be respected, if you don’t listen, the rules will deal with you,” she says.
Abigail credits her confidence partly to her sporting family background. Her mother was a volleyball player, while other family members also participated in sports. Though they were initially concerned about her safety, her rise to the top reassured them.
“They were afraid at first,” she admits. “But they were also very proud, especially because some of them never got the opportunity to reach this level.”
Looking ahead, Abigail is optimistic about the future of Armwrestling in Ghana. In less than a decade, the country has produced African and world-level medalists, a sign, she believes, of great things to come for Ghana.
“Whenever we go out, we come back with medals such as gold and silver,” she says, and to her that was a sign of growth.
In the next five to ten years, Abigail sees herself rising to become a World Master Referee, the highest officiating level in the sport. Until then, her routine remains intense, training four times a week, working closely with athletes, standing on her feet for hours, and constantly refining her understanding of the rules.
“I love this sport,” she says simply. “That love is what keeps me going.”
Abigail encouraged women to be bold and intentional about their place in sports saying “don’t limit yourself because of fear or stereotypes.”
She also urged women to invest in learning, discipline and consistency, stressing that respect was earned through performance.
For Abigail, as Ghana’s armwrestlers continue to make their mark, she will remain where she is most effective at the table, ensuring the game is played right.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
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As he had promised Aperkeh, the elderly man and his wife and three daughters stopped by Aperkeh’s parents’ house. Mr Amando and his family were preparing to settle in for the night.
“Brother Ben and family”, Mr Joshua Amando said warmly, “although I know you are here on a matter that can hardly be described as joyous, it is still good to see you. You are welcome. Please sit down while I bring you water”.
“Yes, we will take water, even though we are hardly thirsty, because this is our home”.
“Okay, Ben”, he started after they had drank, “Let me go straight to the point. My daughter Priscilla has told me about the goings on between her brother Aperkeh and our daughter Stella.
Before informing me, Priscilla had expressed concern to Aperkeh about some habits he is adopting, especially the late nights and the drinking. She tells me that one Saturday morning, she was there when Stella complained about his drinking and some girls who had come to the house to look for him, and he assaulted her.
I called him and complained, but all he could say was that I don’t know what caused him to react that way, so I could not judge him. Now he does not answer my calls.
I have sent Priscilla to his house to call him, but he has refused to come. Unfortunately, Ben, my son is a much different person than the young boy who completed university and started work at the bank. I am really embarrassed about his treatment of Stella”.
“Joshua, let me assure you that even though what is happening is very unfortunate, it will not affect our relationship.
We have been friends since childhood, and I thought that with their parents’ blessing, the relationship between Aperkeh and Stella would grow to become a blessing to all of us. But there appears to be a real challenge now.
Stella thinks that Aperkeh wants her out of his house, and indeed Aperkeh himself told me that, about an hour ago.
So I’m taking my daughter home. I suggest that you do what you can to straighten him out, but if it does not work out, let’s accept the situation and continue to be one family.
I am sure that being the well behaved girl that she is, Stella will meet a young man who will cherish her. Fortunately, this problem is happening early in the day, so they can sort things out if possible, or move on with their lives if they are unable to stay together”.
“I’m really grateful for that, Ben. I will do my best in the next few days to reason with him, because apart from the relationship with Stella, Aperkeh is risking his job and career with this lifestyle.
A good job and salary offers an opportunity to gather momentum in life, not to destroy yourself”.
“Okay Brother Joshua. We will say goodnight. I hope to hear positive news from you”.
As he descended in the lift from the fourth to the ground floor, Aperkeh wondered who would be waiting at the reception to see him at nine on Monday morning. He had spent good time with both of his new girls during the weekend, so it had to be someone else. He got out of the lift and pulled a face when he saw Priscilla.
“Priscilla”, he said as he sat down by her, “what do you want here? You know Monday morning is a busy time at the bank. I am a very busy person, so say what you want, I have work to do”.
“You are very funny, Aperkeh. You are telling me, your sister, that you have work to do, so I should hurry up? Okay, Dad says I should advise you to come home tonight, because he wants to discuss the issue of Stella with you. He sent me to you twice, and you did not come.
He has tried to call you quite a number of times, but you have refused to answer his calls. He says that if you do not come tonight, you will be very surprised at what he will do. He says you will not like it at all, so better come.
“What is all this? Why won’t you people leave me alone? Stella is very disrespectful. I told her that if she wanted to continue to live in my house, she must obey me. It is that simple.
She chose to continue ordering me about, controlling me in my own house, so I told her that if she could not live under my conditions she should leave. And she left. In fact, her own father came and took her away. So what again?’’
“How did she disobey or control you? Was she complaining about your continuous drinking and late nights? And did you slap her on several occasions because of that? Did you tell her that if she could not live under your conditions she should leave? You actually said that to her father? You have forgotten that before she came to live with you, our two parents met and agreed, and gave it their blessing?’
“Why don’t you leave, Priscilla? I don’t have to listen to all that”. “Okay, I will go. Your father who gave birth to you and educated you to university level sends me to you, and you ask me to leave? I wish you would defy him, and refuse to come home as he’s telling you, because he is planning to give you the discipline you badly need. Let me tell you. Stella is such a beautiful and decent girl, and I assure you that someone will grab her before you say Jack. You are only 30 years old, and you have already become a drunkard”.
As he walked towards the lift, Aperkeh decided on what to do. He would go home, and calmly listen to what his father had to say. The old man was very unpredictable, and he wouldn’t dare ignore him. So he would take all the insults and threats, but as for Stella she was history. According to Priscilla, Stella was beautiful and all that, but she had not seen the two curvaceous princesses who were all over him, ready to do anything he asked. And these were not barely literate waakye girls, but university graduates from wealthy homes, really classy girls. With stuff like that, who needs a waakye girl? He smiled as he took his seat.
A few minutes to five, Aperkeh was packing up to leave for home to meet his dad when his phone rang. It was Priscilla.
“Aperkeh, Dad says you don’t need to bother to come. Stella’s dad says she came to him early this morning to plead that she would rather stay at home than return to your house. She thinks you are already decided to be rid of her, and she does not want to risk being assaulted again. So it’s done. You can go ahead and enjoy the nice life you have started”.
Before he could tell her to go to hell, Priscilla hanged up the line. He was partially stung that his dad had virtually cut him off. The last thing anyone would want was to fall out of relationship with his own family, which had always supported him.
But the truth was he was no longer interested in Stella. What was wrong with going by one’s feelings? He could only hope that one day, his parents and sister would try to reason with him.
By Ekow de Heer
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