Drug abuse is increasingly emerging as a serious crisis in the Northern Region and other parts of the country.
The situation is posing a serious threat to young people, particularly their health, education and community stability.
From small towns to larger settlements, substances such as tramadol, cannabis, and other illicit drugs are reportedly destroying the youth, resulting in school dropouts, increasing crime rate and mental health challenges.
According to the Narcotic Control Commission (NACOC), about 50,000 people in the region are into substance and drug abuse, out of which 35,000 are adolescents in school.
For the past years, the situation has sparked national conversation with renewed efforts to clamp down on the sale and use of such drugs.
It is against this backdrop that the Northern Regional Minister, Ali Adolf John, has called for concerted efforts in the fight against drug abuse, which is posing a serious threat to the future of the youth in the region.
Given the gravity of the situation, he said it was crucial for all stakeholders, including parents, teachers, religious leaders, and state institutions, to come together and work towards tackling the menace head-on.
He stressed that no single institution can successfully tackle the complex and evolving challenges of drug abuse.
Seminar
Mr John said this in a speech read for him by the District Chief Executive for Kumbungu, Alhaji Imoro Yakubu Kakpagu, at the 29th Denmark Seminar at Dalun yesterday.
The two-day seminar, which was organised by the Ghana Developing Communities Association (GDCA) in collaboration with Ghana Friends (GV) and Danish partners, brought together stakeholders to deliberate on how to fight drug abuse.
It was on the theme: “A Ghana Without Illicit Drugs: Our Youth; Our Future.”
It also served as an avenue to introduce innovative ways of educating young people and the general public on emerging development issues, while celebrating the long-standing partnership between GDCA and its Danish collaborators.
In his remarks, Mr John stressed the need for effective education, rehabilitation and a sustained approach to eradicate the menace, which was having a serious toll on the youth.
He emphasised that parents, in particular, must stay actively involved in their children’s lives by monitoring their activities, fostering open communication, and guiding them toward healthy choices.
“Combating drug problems requires a collective effort. Parents must actively engage in their children's lives; educators need to teach students about life choices, not just academic subjects; and the media should prioritise informing the public about the menace,” he said.
Dire consequences
The minister highlighted the severe consequences of drug abuse, particularly for young people who often face mental health challenges, addiction, school dropouts, and involvement in crime.
Johanne Ravn Abildgaard, a representative of Ghana Friends in Denmark
He warned that the increasing rate of drug dependency placed enormous pressure on families, communities, and healthcare systems.
Rehabilitation centres, he noted, were overstretched as cases continued to rise.
“Many organised crimes are rooted in illicit drug use, which is wreaking havoc on communities globally. In unstable regions, criminal networks are expanding drug production and trafficking like never before,” he said.
He therefore called for a multifaceted national approach that integrates prevention, enforcement, treatment, and behavioural change communication to curb the menace.
Youth empowerment
The Chairman of GDCA, Dr Osman Al-Hassan, highlighted the organisation’s contributions to youth development and community transformation.
He said GDCA had over the years empowered young people to become active drivers of inclusive socio-economic development in their communities.
“Skilled youth are less vulnerable to exclusion and armed conflicts. They are more likely to drive innovation, build networks, and promote tolerance,” he said.
Dr Al-Hassan added that GDCA’s training programmes and workplace experience initiatives were building the capacity of young people and strengthening social cohesion.
Strong action
The Paramount Chief of the Sagnarigu Traditional Area, Naa Abdulai Yakubu, who spoke on the topic: “The role of traditional leaders in preventing drug abuse in northern Ghana”, said it was time for strong action on the part of the government to tackle the menace.
Speaking about the drug menace across the globe and efforts to tackle it, he said traditional leaders were ready to partner the state to address the situation.
The Chief of Dalun, Naa Amadu Mustapha Mahama, commended GDCA and its partners for their consistent commitment to educating and engaging the youth.
He pledged the readiness of his palace to support efforts aimed at preventing drug abuse and promoting sustainable development within the community.
Concern
A representative from Ghana Friends, Johanne Ravn Abildgaard, expressed concern about the rising drug abuse, mental health challenges, and unsafe social behaviours among young people.
A section of the participants in the event
She explained that addressing the cultural acceptance of alcohol and drug use required a collective shift in attitudes, strengthened support systems, and responsible behaviour within social spaces.
“It has become increasingly clear that the way forward requires a collective cultural shift,” she said.
At the event, some participants urged traditional authorities and political leaders not to shield drug dealers and addicts when they faced the law.
They also called for youth involvement in decision-making processes related to drug abuse prevention at the community level.
