The Minister of Youth Development and Employment, George Opare Addo, has announced a comprehensive national strategy to reverse the disturbing trend of substance abuse among the youth, especially in secondary and tertiary institutions.
Addressing journalists in Accra on Wednesday, the Minister said the strategy sought to safeguard the future of the country’s young population.
The strategy involves the construction of regional rehabilitation centres to provide accessible treatment and mental health support, and the expansion of drug-awareness campaigns, including the newly launched “Ghana Against Drugs – Red Means Stop” initiative.
Other key initiatives include the integration of substance abuse education into school curricula, supported by trained counsellors and peer mentors, as well as enhanced surveillance and enforcement to disrupt on-campus drug networks and online delivery systems.
He said despite the efforts of school authorities — with 36 per cent of institutions offering counselling, peer support, drug-awareness programmes, random checks, and referrals — the challenge remained formidable.
The Minister emphasised that isolated interventions were no longer sufficient and called for national coordination, investment, and cross-sector collaboration.
Mr Addo appealed to corporate entities, especially those in entertainment and betting, to support the initiative as part of their corporate social responsibility.
He further noted that recent campus surveys reveal a troubling reality:
- 86 per cent of students report easy access to alcohol
- Weed edibles (59 per cent) and marijuana (53 per cent) are also widely available
- 12 per cent of students are aware of access to hard drugs
These figures, he said, indicate a deepening infiltration of narcotics into educational environments.
“This is not just a youth issue; it’s a national development challenge,” Mr Addo declared, adding, “We must act swiftly and collectively to dismantle the networks that make these substances so accessible.”
“We are building a future where Ghanaian youth are empowered, not numbed. This strategy is not just about prevention — it’s about restoration, education, and hope,” he added.
The Minister acknowledged that while poverty, unemployment, and emotional stress contribute to substance use, the widespread availability of expensive synthetic drugs like ‘Red 225’ (locally known as ‘Wonim Red’) points to a systemic problem involving organised supply chains and discreet on-campus distribution.
To this end, he stressed, the Ministry would work with stakeholders across education, health, law enforcement, and civil society to develop and implement the comprehensive national strategy.
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