Collective Efforts Needed to Tackle Substance Abuse in Ghana

Strategic Insights -

In the Tano North Municipality of the Ahafo Region, Ghana, a growing concern about substance abuse among the youth has been reported. Nana Yaw Nkrumah, a member of the Duayaw-Nkwanta Traditional Council, has sounded the alarm, stating that many young people are turning into drug addicts, with tramadol and alcoholism being major issues. The traditional council is taking steps to address the problem through public education and stakeholder engagements, and is calling on families, security services, and authorities to take responsibility in shaping the future of their children and clamping down on peddlers.

Key Takeaways:

  • Nana Yaw Nkrumah, a member of the Duayaw-Nkwanta Traditional Council, has called for collective efforts to tackle substance abuse and peddling among the youth in the Tano North Municipality of the Ahafo Region, Ghana.
  • The traditional council is undertaking stakeholder engagements and public education campaigns on the dangers of substance abuse in schools, churches, and public gatherings.
  • Many cases of mental health reported at the Sunyani Municipal Hospital are related to substance abuse and alcoholism, according to Miss Gifty Brany, a nurse in-charge of the Mental Health Unit.
  • The traditional council is urging families to take responsibility in shaping the future of their children and asking security services to intensify patrols to clamp down on peddlers.
  • Security agencies are also being called upon to identify and disband illicit drugs peddling joints in the Sunyani Municipality.
  • Miss Gifty Brany has urged authorities to do something to bring the substance abuse situation under control.

Statistics:

  • Many young people in the Tano North Municipality are turning into drug addicts.
  • Tramadol and alcoholism are major issues related to substance abuse in the area.
  • There have been a significant number of cases relating to drug abuse at the Sunyani Municipal Hospital.
  • The Mental Health Unit at the Sunyani Municipal Hospital has reported a rise in mental health cases related to substance abuse.
  • The traditional council is engaging with stakeholders and conducting public education campaigns on the dangers of substance abuse.

Sources:

  • Ghana News Agency (30 May 2025)
  • Interview with Nana Yaw Nkrumah, member of the Duayaw-Nkwanta Traditional Council
  • Sunyani Municipal Hospital, Mental Health Unit; interview with Miss Gifty Brany