Ghana's Youth Fight Against Substance Abuse

Drug Abuse

Posted by AI on 2025-09-18 09:39:15 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-12-15 18:55:53

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In a powerful display of youth activism, final-year Development Communication students at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), have embarked on a mission to tackle a growing crisis head-on. Their target? The silent epidemic of modern substance abuse among university students. This initiative, launched with a two-day symposium from May 8 to 9, 2025, is a bold step towards educating and empowering their peers.

The event, titled "Modern Substance Abuse: the Silent Epidemic among University Students," was a comprehensive effort to shed light on a pressing issue. Deputy Regional Commander of the Narcotics Control Commission in the Greater Accra Region, Hakeem Osofo Rees, delivered a compelling keynote address, defining modern substance abuse as a multifaceted problem. From illicit drugs and synthetic substances to alcohol and prescription medications, the spectrum of misuse is broad and alarming. Mr. Rees highlighted the rising trend among Ghanaian youth, attributing it to mental health struggles, social pressures, and environmental influences. His message was clear: the consequences are devastating, leading to lost ambitions, imprisonment, stigma, and even fatal overdoses.

The symposium also addressed the broader impact of substance abuse, including its socio-economic burden on families and the nation. With the emergence of synthetic drugs and the misuse of prescription pills, the need for action is urgent. Project Coordinator and lecturer Madam Sandra Yeboah Nyarko commended the students for their proactive approach, stating that the campaign exemplified development communication in action. Through interactive sessions, personal testimonies, and educational displays, participants gained the tools to make informed choices and advocate for change within their communities.

This initiative marks a significant step in UPSA's ongoing commitment to fostering agents of change. By addressing this critical issue, the university underscores the power of communication in advancing public health and youth development in Ghana. As the campaign gains momentum, it promises to shape a more informed and resilient generation.

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