Islamic Position on Illicit Drugs (Part 2)

 In Ghana, the Narcotics Control Com­mission Act, 2020 (Act 1019), pro­hibits the possession, use, trade, or cultivation of narcotic drugs without lawful authorisation.

The law now adopts a more public health-based model, emphasising re­habilitation and education while still maintaining punitive measures against trafficking and illegal possession.

This opens doors for religious and social actors to play key roles in pre­vention and healing.

How the Youth and General Society Are Typically Lured into Illicit Drugs;

One of the primary gateways to drug use is peer pressure. Many young peo­ple are introduced to drugs by friends who make substance use appear fash­ionable or as a coping mechanism for stress, boredom, or emotional trauma.

In urban slums and some schools, peer groups become influential in shaping behaviour, particularly when parental supervision is weak or socie­tal structures have collapsed.

Another contributor is media influ­ence—with movies, music, and social media sometimes glamorising sub­stance use. Unemployment, poverty, broken homes, academic stress, and lack of religious education also con­tribute significantly.

Shaykh Abd al-Rahman al-Sa‘di explains that when faith weakens, individuals seek escape in destruc­tive behaviours. Hence, strengthen­ing iman (faith) is a critical defence against temptation.

Rescuing Victims: Rehabilitation and Social Support

Those who fall into drug addiction must not be condemned but rather supported with compassion and care. Islam emphasises mercy and hope:

“Say, O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins.” (Qur’an 39:53).

Rehabilitation centres, faith-based recovery programmes, community counselling, and mosque-based inter­ventions are all vital tools.

Imams and scholars should be equipped with basic knowledge in addiction counselling. Collaboration with the Narcotics Control Commis­sion and health institution can create models where religious guidance and medical treatment go hand-in-hand.

Impact of Illicit Drugs on Society

Illicit drug use damages physical health, corrupts moral values, and leads to crime and unemployment. It depletes a nation’s human capital, as youths and adults become dependent, mentally unstable, and economically unproductive. It also leads to vio­lence, theft, and domestic abuse.

The Qur’an declares: “And do not throw yourselves into destruction with your own hands.” Qur’an 2:195)

Impact of Illicit Drugs in Schools

In Ghana, the increasing prevalence of drug abuse in schools has led to ab­senteeism, violent behaviour, academ­ic failure, and mental health issues.

Some school dropouts have become part of gang culture, especially in ur­ban areas, threatening future national development. These environments must be purified and protected with strong policy, parental involvement, and faith-based education.

UNICEF, Ghana Health Service, and Oth­er Reports

UNICEF (2019) highlighted the cor­relation between substance abuse and early childhood trauma, noting that youth exposed to abuse, neglect, or poverty are more susceptible to drug use.

The Ghana Health Service’s 2022 report showed a 17 per cent rise in mental health cases linked to drug abuse, with youth between 15–35 years most affected.

Narcotics Control Commission Statistics

According to the 2022 Annual Report of the Narcotics Control Commission, over 8,000 arrests were made for drug offenses.

Cannabis remains the most abused drug, with growing concerns about synthetic drugs and pharmaceutical abuse, especially tramadol and cough syrups with codeine.

 By Imam Saeed Abdulai