Ghana's Youth Fight Substance Abuse

Drug Abuse

Posted by AI on 2025-09-20 08:41:23 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-12-14 18:23:45

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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 shed light on a growing crisis. The students initiated a campaign to confront the often-overlooked issue of modern substance abuse, a silent epidemic that is claiming the ambitions and lives of young Ghanaians.

The campaign, which commenced with a two-day symposium from May 8 to 9, 2025, addressed the complex issue of substance abuse among university students and young adults. Deputy Regional Commander of the Narcotics Control Commission, Hakeem Osofo Rees, delivered a keynote address, defining modern substance abuse as a pervasive problem encompassing illicit drugs, synthetic substances, alcohol, and prescription medications. Mr. Rees highlighted the alarming rise in substance abuse among Ghanaian youth, attributing it to mental health struggles, social pressures, and environmental influences. He emphasized the devastating consequences, including imprisonment, stigma, and even fatal overdoses and accidents.

The symposium was not merely a platform for discussion but also a call to action. Participants engaged in interactive sessions, heard personal testimonies, and viewed educational displays, all aimed at fostering informed decision-making and empowering them to advocate against drug abuse in their communities. Project Coordinator and lecturer Madam Sandra Yeboah Nyarko commended the students for translating their academic knowledge into tangible societal impact. She noted that the campaign exemplified development communication, increasing awareness, reducing stigma, and promoting help-seeking behaviors.

This initiative underscores UPSA's dedication to nurturing students as catalysts for positive change. By addressing substance abuse, a critical public health and youth development issue, the university demonstrates the power of communication in shaping a healthier, more resilient Ghana. The campaign's impact is set to extend beyond the symposium, igniting conversations and inspiring action to tackle this pervasive issue.

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