By Peter Justice GARIBA
Drug abuse in Ghana has become a growing national concern, threatening not only the health and future of our youth but also the stability and development of our economy. The time has come for a bold, strategic, and coordinated approach to address this crisis head-on.
Across the country, particularly in urban and peri-urban areas such as Tema, Labadi, Akropong, Spintex, East Legon, and beyond, an alarming number of young people are being drawn into substance abuse.
What is even more troubling is the growing culture of impunity surrounding these activities. Pubs, bars, and other entertainment venues have become breeding grounds for illegal drug use and distribution, with little to no consequences for those involved.
Mr. President, this is a call to action.
We cannot afford to watch the next generation waste away while the very systems meant to protect them stand idle. Drug abuse not only destroys lives but also burdens our healthcare system, increases crime rates, and erodes the productivity of our workforce—ultimately weakening the pillars of our economy.
A New Approach is Needed
We urge the government to adopt a multi-faceted strategy to combat drug abuse effectively. This must include:
Enhanced Law Enforcement: Law enforcement agencies must intensify operations and conduct targeted raids on known hotspots such as pubs and bars where drug use is rampant. These efforts should be intelligence-led and sustained over time.
Establishment of a Special Task Force: The Ministry of the Interior should establish a dedicated anti-drug abuse task force with a clear mandate to identify, arrest, and prosecute both users and suppliers. This unit should work in close coordination with the Narcotics Control Commission and other relevant agencies.
Accountability for Venue Owners: Bar and pub owners who enable or turn a blind eye to drug abuse on their premises must be held accountable. Licensing bodies should review operating licenses of such establishments and revoke them where necessary.
Youth Rehabilitation and Education: While enforcement is critical, equal attention must be given to preventive measures. Nationwide public education campaigns, community outreach programs, and rehabilitation centres must be strengthened to provide alternatives and support for affected youth.
Community Engagement: Chiefs, religious leaders, civil society organizations, and parents must be engaged as part of a broader community-based approach to create awareness and reinforce moral and cultural values that deter substance abuse.
Conclusion
Drug abuse is not just a health issue—it is a national security and economic threat. The government must act decisively and swiftly to curb its spread before more lives are destroyed and the promise of our future leaders dimmed. The youth are Ghana’s greatest asset, and protecting them must be a top priority.
Let us come together—government, law enforcement, community leaders, and citizens—to clean the system and safeguard the destiny of our beloved country.
