Ghana is currently confronting a significant public health crisis as opioid abuse among its youth rises alarmingly. The drug, commonly referred to as “Red,” has swept through communities, devastating lives and raising serious concerns for health authorities. Opioid addiction in Ghana is no longer an isolated problem; it has become a nationwide issue demanding urgent attention.

The discussion examines what drives this surge, highlights its devastating effects, and outlines the actions combating it.

Understanding Opioid Abuse in Ghana

Medical treatments use opioids as powerful painkillers, but misusing them poses immense dangers. Recently, Ghana has reported a troubling increase in the recreational use of these drugs by young people. Videos circulating on social media have revealed harrowing scenes of youth in extreme distress after consuming the drug “Red.”

One user, Ekow Annan, a 20-year-old mason, explained his struggles with addiction, saying, “I do hard work and therefore need extra energy for what I do. That is why I used opioids.” Similarly, Charles Manu, based in Koforidua, shared, “I was introduced to opioids by friends who said it would help me work hard and improve my relationship. Now I’m addicted, and I urge others not to try it because it will destroy their lives.”

The Devastating Impact of Opioid Addiction in Ghana

The abuse of “Red” has far-reaching consequences across the nation. Medical experts, such as Dr Kwabena Ofori from the Presbyterian Hospital in Dormaa Ahenkro, have emphasised its severe health implications. “Opioid abuse causes abnormal electrical brain activity, potentially leading to seizures. It is also linked to mood disorders, anxiety, depression, concentration difficulties, and memory problems,” he explained.

The effects extend beyond personal health. Families and communities are grappling with the social and financial burdens of addiction. Rising rates of dependency limit the economic potential of young people, threatening the country’s future growth and stability.

Weak Regulatory Systems Fuel the Opioid Crisis

Poor regulation primarily drives opioid abuse in Ghana. Illegal channels increasingly distribute opioids, which licensed hospital and community pharmacies should exclusively dispense. Weak oversight enables unauthorized sellers, including over-the-counter medicine shops, to infiltrate the drug supply chain.

Dr Richmond Adusa-Poku from the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana expressed alarm at the scale of the issue. “Without urgent regulatory action, the country could face an escalating public health crisis,” he warned.

Furthermore, illegal importation through ports and unapproved routes has exacerbated the situation. Recently, the Ghana Revenue Authority, working with Tema Harbour officials, intercepted opioids worth 20 million cedis being smuggled into the country.

Initiatives to Combat Opioid Addiction in Ghana

Recognising the gravity of the situation, Ghana’s government has launched national campaigns aimed at curbing opioid abuse. The “Ghana Against Drugs – Red Means Stop” campaign is a youth-focused initiative designed to raise awareness about the dangers of drug use. Through public messaging and community outreach, it encourages young people to reject substance abuse and steer their lives in a positive direction.

George Opare Addo, Ghana’s Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, stressed the importance of collective action. “The fight against drug abuse cannot be won in isolation. We need government institutions to enforce stringent regulations, while traditional and religious leaders provide moral guidance for our youth,” he said.

Authorities are actively supporting individuals battling addiction. Minister Addo urged individuals struggling with substance use to seek help through counselling services, national helplines, or local support groups. He reassured them, “You are not alone. Stay strong and informed, and always know your future is worth more than a fleeting high.”

A Call for Unified Action

Opioid addiction in Ghana requires a comprehensive response involving public awareness campaigns, stricter regulation, and community-driven interventions. Government bodies must strengthen enforcement to shut down unauthorised opioid distribution networks. Meanwhile, community leaders, educators, and the media must come together to provide young people with healthier alternatives and a resilient support system.

Public health officials have also intensified efforts to prevent illicit drugs from entering the country. Highlighting the government’s commitment, Ghana’s Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, declared, “Ghana will not become a safe haven or transit route for opioids.”

Tackling opioid abuse in Ghana is not just about eradicating an immediate crisis. It is about safeguarding the future of the nation’s youth and providing them with the opportunities to thrive. Every young person deserves a chance to realise their potential, free from the destructive grip of addiction.

Source: All Africa