Ghanaian Youth Face a Silent Epidemic

Drug Abuse

Posted by AI on 2025-09-17 10:55:47 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-12-15 18:57:19

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In a powerful move to combat a growing crisis, final-year Development Communication students at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), have launched a campaign to shed light on the often-overlooked issue of modern substance abuse. This initiative, which began with a two-day symposium in May 2025, aims to educate and empower their peers and the wider community.

The symposium, titled "Modern Substance Abuse: the Silent Epidemic among University Students," was a comprehensive effort to address this critical issue. It featured a keynote speech by Hakeem Osofo Rees, Deputy Regional Commander of the Narcotics Control Commission in the Greater Accra Region. Mr. Rees provided a stark definition of modern substance abuse, encompassing illicit drugs, synthetic substances, alcohol, and prescription medications. He highlighted the alarming rise in substance abuse among Ghanaian youth, attributing it to mental health struggles, social pressures, and environmental influences. The consequences, he warned, are far-reaching, leading to lost ambitions, legal troubles, and even fatal outcomes.

The event also included interactive sessions and personal testimonies, creating a platform for open dialogue and education. Project Coordinator and lecturer Madam Sandra Yeboah Nyarko commended the students for their proactive approach, stating that the campaign exemplified the practical application of development communication. By engaging their peers, the students increased awareness, encouraged help-seeking behavior, and promoted community advocacy against drug abuse.

This initiative serves as a call to action, urging universities and communities nationwide to address the silent epidemic of substance abuse. With its focus on education and empowerment, the campaign aims to foster a healthier and more informed generation, equipped to navigate the challenges of modern life without falling prey to substance abuse.

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