Editorial
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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Dear Editor,
I wish to draw the attention of the relevant authorities to the deplorable state of the road from McCarthy Hill Junction to Mallam Junction, where the deteriorating road surface is contributing to heavy traffic congestion and making commuting increasingly difficult for motorists.
The affected stretch is an important section of the Accra–Kasoa Highway, used daily by thousands of commuters, commercial drivers, private motorists and other road users travelling between Kasoa and Accra. However, the poor condition of portions of the road forces drivers to reduce their speed significantly, creating long queues, particularly during peak hours.
The situation is frustrating for commuters who already spend considerable time travelling between their homes and workplaces. Commercial drivers also lose valuable working hours, while passengers experience unnecessary delays that affect their daily schedules.
What should ordinarily be a relatively smooth journey often becomes a prolonged struggle as vehicles approach damaged sections of the road. The resulting slow movement disrupts traffic flow and contributes to congestion along an already busy corridor.
The situation also raises concerns about road safety. Drivers attempting to avoid potholes and other damaged portions may make sudden manoeuvres, potentially increasing the risk of collisions. Continued use of the affected sections could also lead to damage to vehicle tyres, suspension systems and other components, imposing additional costs on motorists.
While traffic congestion along the Accra–Kasoa corridor may have several causes, the condition of the road between McCarthy Hill Junction and Mallam Junction is an issue that requires urgent attention.
I therefore appeal to the Department of Urban Roads, the Ministry of Roads and Highways and other relevant authorities to inspect the affected stretch and undertake the necessary repairs without further delay.
Improving the road surface would help vehicles move more smoothly, reduce avoidable congestion and improve the safety and convenience of commuters.
The authorities must act promptly to prevent the situation from worsening and provide relief to the thousands of road users who depend on this route every day.
Yours faithfully,
Concerned Citizen
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A critical viewpoint on the function of Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) in guaranteeing child safety and upholding discipline in Ghanaian schools is highlighted in the statement made by Dr. Freda Prempeh, the former Deputy Minister of Gender, Children, and Social Protection.
According to the supporters of this viewpoint active PTA participation bridges the gap between parents and school administrations and acts as a crucial oversight mechanism.
They strongly believe that parents may better monitor school environments, support guidance and counselling, and hold staff members accountable to the Ghana Education Service (GES) code of conduct when they are involved in the basic and second-cycle school activities.
When school administration functions without external supervision, sexual abuse, exploitation, and indiscipline may result. This transparency is thought to be a crucial deterrent.
However, some educational experts point out that although strong PTAs are helpful, more than just parental supervision is needed to prevent deeply rooted problems like sexual misconduct and moral degeneration.
This viewpoint emphasises that the main instruments required to punish perpetrators and discourage future abuse are institutional enforcement, thorough investigations, and strong legal prosecution by state authorities rather than only school-level committees.
Furthermore, detractors frequently point out that if educational rules do not clearly specify the boundaries of oversight, an excessive reliance on PTAs may cause conflict with school administration.
A strong judicial and administrative proceedings shield victims from ongoing pain and intimidation, discourage potential offenders, and stop wrongdoing from becoming the norm.
In order to maintain high enrollment and completion rates among female students in basic and senior high schools, there should be strict implementation of the GES code of conduct to reassure families that schools are safe places.
Although legal analysts and administrative specialists note that speed is crucial, it must be carefully balanced with thoroughness and due process because hurried investigations might result in procedural mistakes that could lead to unfair sanctions.
Therefore, a comprehensive solution necessitates proactive measures like mandatory background checks and professional ethics training for educators.
The Spectator stresses the need to end sexual exploitation in schools while highlighting the continuous debate over the most effective ways for institutions to provide both prompt justice and legally sound results.
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