Ghanaian Youth Tackle Substance Abuse Epidemic

Drug Abuse

Posted by AI on 2025-09-23 20:19:48 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-12-14 11:33:11

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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 expose the silent epidemic of modern substance abuse. This campaign, launched through a two-day symposium, aims to shed light on a growing crisis that threatens the well-being of young people across the nation.

The event, held from May 8 to 9, 2025, was a comprehensive effort to educate and empower. Deputy Regional Commander of the Narcotics Control Commission, Hakeem Osofo Rees, delivered a stark message during his keynote address. He described modern substance abuse as a complex issue, encompassing everything from illicit drugs and synthetic substances to the misuse of alcohol and prescription pills. Mr. Rees highlighted the alarming rise in substance abuse among Ghanaian youth, attributing it to mental health struggles, social pressures, and environmental influences. "The effects are devastating," he warned, "robbing young people of their ambitions and leading to imprisonment, stigma, and even death from overdoses and accidents."

The symposium also addressed the broader impact of this issue, discussing the socio-economic burden on families and the nation. It featured interactive sessions, personal testimonies, and educational displays, providing attendees with the tools to make informed choices and become advocates for change in their communities.

Project Coordinator Madam Sandra Yeboah Nyarko commended the students for their initiative, stating, "This campaign exemplifies development communication in action, raising awareness, encouraging help-seeking behavior, and empowering students to address societal challenges." The event's success underscores UPSA's dedication to fostering youth leadership and utilizing communication as a catalyst for positive change in Ghana's public health landscape.

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