It is estimated that, Ghana risks possible violence and Mental Health Disorders in the short future due to indiscriminate use of drugs.
Statistics by the Narcotic Control Board has revealed that, there are about 50,000 drug users in Ghana.
Out of this number, it is estimated that, 35,000 are students from Junior high, Senior high and Tertiary institutions aged between 12 and 35years, while the remaining 15,000 were adults, with 9000 males and 6000 females.
Opioid crisis explodes in Ghana as young people fall victim to ‘Red’ and it’s a very alarming surge in opioid abuse among Ghana’s youth which is raising red flags for health authorities, as addiction to these powerful painkillers’ spirals into a growing public health crisis.
Dr. Victor Gadri– widows’ father, a businessman and philanthropist in Ghana sharing his concern on the growing incident has called on MPs and the Health ministry to as a matter of urgency to address the situation.
A 22-year-old abuser of opioids, Hanson Agbeko, who is based in the Accra the capital said in an interview with Atinka News Barimah Saakwa “I am a truck pusher, I do hard work and therefore need extra energy for what I do, that is why I used opioids.”
Another abuser, Stephen Dankwa Brown, who is based in Somanya in the Eastern Region, said, “I was introduced to opioids by some friends who told me good stuff about it, – that when I take it, I can work hard and also have good sex with my girlfriend. I have become addicted and I’m trying to come off it. I am urging the youth not to try it because it will destroy their lives.”
Sampson Amekor George Opare Addo, Minister of Youth Development and Empowerment, speaking at sensitization programme on opioids in Accra.
Most Getos in places like Alajo, Adabraka, Accra New Town and Lapaz among other areas have in stock these drugs for sale and use and as a results raising criminals and drug addicts in these places. Access to opioids has become easier due to their illegal importation into the country through ports and other unapproved routes. Regulation of their sale remains weak.
“Opioids should only be dispensed by licensed hospital and community pharmacies. However, poor oversight has allowed over the counter (OTC) medicine sellers who are only permitted to stock basic first aid medications to infiltrate the opioid supply chain.
Fighting drug abuse
Port officials have also intensified their operations to ensure that people who illegally import opioids into the country are arrested and prosecuted.
Recently, the Ghana Revenue Authority, in collaboration with port authorities at the Tema Harbour, intercepted opioids worth 20 million cedis, equivalent to dollars, which were illegally imported into the country.
By Barima K. Saakwah
