Sunyani: Substance and drug abuse are threatening the future of the younger population in the Bono Region. The alarming situation does not only have serious health implications on the young people, but it is also ruining their aspirations and potential. Checks show that the demand and abuse of illicit substances and opioids, including tramadol 'RED', cannabis, and shisha are becoming a public health concern and emergency.
According to Ghana News Agency, the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) is sounding an alarm on the growing trend of substance abuse, calling for urgent coordinated attempts to bring the situation under control. The Principal Narcotics Control Officer (PNCO), Mr. Ernest Owusu Sarpong, the Bono Regional Commander of NACOC, highlighted the 'disturbing increase in drug abuse as largely a problem now'. He noted that abusers are often seen in ghettos, pubs, poolside events, and local drinking spots, using drugs for recreation, and to manage stressful situations and anxiety. Mr. Sarpong stated, 'Both young men and women are becoming abusers signaling a broader societal challenge', adding that the growing demand and abuse of drugs threaten the future of many young people in the region.
Mr. Sarpong identified peer pressure and curiosity as major contributing factors to the rise in substance abuse among young individuals. These dynamics are driving many into a downward spiral of dependency and isolation, often with devastating consequences on their families and communities. In response, NACOC has stepped up efforts to control the menace through robust prevention strategies, including intensified educational outreach, intelligence-led operations, and increased surveillance of high-risk areas. Mr. Sarpong reported that in 2023, the Commission reached out to more than 10,000 people, mostly students, through sensitization campaigns in schools, churches, mosques, markets, and through the media. He remarked, 'Those efforts have made a significant difference by deterring at-risk youth from experimenting with drugs'.
Mr. Sarpong further emphasized the need for treatment and rehabilitation facilities for addicts, stating, 'The establishment of a well-resourced drug treatment and rehabilitation center will help tackle the pressing needs of addicts struggling with substance use disorders'. NACOC plans to launch youth-centered initiatives such as Drug-Free Clubs in selected schools, creating safe spaces for students to learn, share, and lead peer-focused interventions. The formation of these clubs aims to empower students to become ambassadors of health promotion and drug prevention within their schools and communities.
Additionally, intelligence-led operations are set to be intensified to dismantle the illicit drug trade and its associated networks in the region. Mr. Sarpong explained, 'That law enforcement approach is expected to suppress the supply side of the drug crisis, complementing the education and rehabilitation efforts'.
Mr. Joseph Addae Akwaboa, the Bono Regional Minister, underscored the need to view addiction as a critical public health issue rather than a moral failure. Speaking at a forum in Sunyani to mark the 2025 Drugs Day organized by NACOC, Mr. Akwaboa noted, 'Individuals battling substance use disorders deserve empathy, proper treatment, and a renewed sense of hope for recovery'. He assured that the government is committed to supporting the establishment and resourcing of rehabilitation centers, training mental health professionals, and strengthening reintegration programs to 'give the drug addicts and abusers a second chance to live'. He called on faith-based organizations, NGOs, and the private sector to collaborate with the government in expanding access to recovery services, emphasizing that 'no one should be left behind due to stigma, poverty, or limited access'.
Mr. Akwaboa highlighted the importance of strong collaboration between law enforcement agencies and community watchdog committees in tackling illicit drug trafficking. He reassured that his office will continue to work closely with the Regional Security Council to enhance border protection and ensure that communities are educated and empowered to stand firm against the threats of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.
According to Mr. Joseph Yere, the Bono Regional Mental Health Coordinator, 367 people, mostly young individuals, were admitted for alcohol and cannabis-related conditions. He emphasized the need for effective collaboration between NACOC, the Ghana Health Service, and the Mental Health Authority to tackle the drug menace head-on.
As Bono marks the commemoration of the 2025 Drug Awareness Day, a multifaceted approach is required in prioritizing prevention, treatment, and recovery. Celebrated on the theme 'The Evidence Is Clear: Investing in Prevention', and 'Breaking the Chains: Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery for All', the path forward is unmistakable, requiring active community engagement and institutional support in tackling the region's drug menace. By doing so, the hope of reversing the trend and safeguarding the future of the young people in the region would be securely guaranteed.
