Drug abuse among Ghanaian youth: the silent crisis destroying our future

Dear Editor,

On many streets in Accra, Kumasi and Tamale, a new trend of drug abuse is worrying parents, teachers and health workers. 

Young people as young as 15 years are abusing drugs like tramadol (Red), marijuana (wee), shisha, and a new deadly mix called “Kush” or “Red + Energy drink”.

What started as “trying to feel high” has now become addiction for many.

Most young people start smoking in Senior High School (SHS) through peer influence. They usually start with wee or tramadol under the guise of its ability to keep them awake in order to learn.

Teachers say some students come to class red-eyed, sleepy or unusually aggressive. Some youth take drugs to forget unemployment, broken homes, heartbreak, or pressure to make quick money.

The serious aspect of this is the dealers of these hard drugs now sell these drugs openly near schools, in ghettos, and even on social media applications like Snapchat and Telegram.

Health experts warn that drug abuse is not just “feeling high” but causes mental illness such as madness, anxiety, depression, kidney and liver failure

It can also lead to school dropout and job loss, stealing and armed robbery to buy more drugs and early death

According to health workers, admissions for drug-related mental cases in Ghana have increased, especially among youth aged between ages 15 and 35.

This fight is for all of us, not just police.

I believe parents need to talk to their children, know their friends, and check their bags and mood changes early. Be friendly so they can confide in you.

Also schools, churches and mosques should regularly educate the youth on drug abuse. Invite ex-addicts and health workers to speak to students, not just preaching.

For Government and its agencies like the Narcotics Control Board (NACOB) should strictly enforce the law and provide affordable rehabilitation centres.  

Richard Kumasi

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