Youth Ministry Sounds Alarm Over Rising Drug Abuse Among Ghana’s Young People

Ghana’s Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment has expressed deep concern over the alarming increase in drug abuse among young people, warning that the trend is gradually eroding ambition, creativity, and the spirit of entrepreneurship among the country’s youth.

At a national consultation of the Department of Development and Social Services (DSS) of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana in Abokobi, the Director of Youth Development, Alhaji Mohammed Saani Adams, said the situation has reached distressing levels and requires urgent intervention.

According to him, the growing appetite for illicit substances is destroying potential and leading many into deviant lifestyles that threaten their health and future. “Drug abuse is killing ambition and entrepreneurship skills among the youth,” he said passionately. “If they are into drugs, they cannot do anything.”

Alhaji Adams appealed to the Presbyterian Church of Ghana and other faith-based organisations to join forces with government in what he described as a collective national duty to protect young people from substance abuse. He said the Ministry welcomes partnership with the church to roll out preventive education and rehabilitation initiatives across the country.

He further bemoaned what he called a “collapse of social supervision”, stressing that many families and communities have stopped paying attention to the wellbeing of their children and neighbours. “What is worse is that we have a complete breakdown of the social net such that nobody is taking care of anybody,” he observed.

The Director also drew attention to a worrying new trend where some young people combine ordinary beverages with intoxicating substances. “The most frightening part is that it’s no longer just the known drugs,” he explained. “They are now mixing soft drinks like Fanta, Coke, Malt, and coffee with other harmful chemicals. Parents must watch this even in their own homes.”

Alhaji Adams said the government is determined to strengthen collaboration with schools, religious institutions, and youth organisations to intensify public education on the dangers of drug abuse. He called on the media to support the campaign with consistent reporting and awareness programming.

He concluded by reminding Ghanaians that the nation’s progress depends on the strength and productivity of its young people. “If we lose the youth, we lose our future,” he said.