The National Commission on Culture, King Jerry Music, and other key authorities in Ghana are collaborating in mopping-up efforts to combat the rising trend of drug use and abuse among the youth, highlighting the complex challenges posed by smuggling and illegal distribution channels.
During a recent multi-agency discussion, officials emphasised that certain prohibited drugs which are not meant for local consumption are being illicitly imported, primarily through neighboring countries.
The Executive Director of the National Commission on Culture, Mr. Wakefield Ackuaku in a multi- agency discussions disclosed that the Commission on Culture is mandated to promote and preserve the general cultural life of Ghana and by that is committed to support initiatives that seek to reinforce our cultural identity and moral fabric to combat this growing challenge.
He added that the issue of drug use and abuse among our youth is not only a health crisis but also a threat to our cultural values and future generations.
“As a nation, we must come together, government, community, and cultural institutions to strengthen our awareness, prevention, and rehabilitation efforts. It is essential that we promote positive cultural practices and resilience among our young people, fostering environments where they can thrive free from the influence of illicit substances”, the Mr. Ackuaku stated.
Representing the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), Mrs. Adah Allotey-Pappoe underscored the severity of the issue, stating, these drugs, including ‘red’, are not supposed to be in the country for general use. Yet, they find their way into the hands of our youth, often through smuggling with food imports from neighboring nations.
Supporting her claims, Mrs. Sandra Abaka-Quansah, a representative from the Narcotics Control Board (NACOB) revealed that substances such as tapentadol (120mg, 225mg, and 250 mg), Benalyn, and other drugs are being abused at alarming rates.
According to her, some users consume these drugs unhealthily and in high doses up to 1,000 mg, posing serious health risks, including potential overdose and addiction-related health deterioration.
Representing the Ghana Standard Board, Mr. Daniel Awuah assured that strict measures are being enforced on pharmaceutical shops nationwide to ensure drugs are dispensed only with proper prescriptions by qualified medical practitioners.
Regular inspections are carried out to block illegal distribution channels and prevent counterfeit or unapproved medicines from circulating, he added
The Public Relations Officer of the Ghana Health Service highlighted the urgent need for mental health intervention, stating that many youths who are involved in drug abuse are battling underlying mental health challenges.
“Many young people turn to substances as a coping mechanism, which can lead to severe health and social consequences,” they added.
The discussion brought attention to the use of ‘Shisha,’ with officials noting that many youths transition gradually from one substance to another, escalating their levels of addiction.