Accra: The Vision for Alternative Development (VALD) has joined the globe to mark the 2025 International Day Against Drug Abuse with a call on the government to seriously invest to prevent drug trafficking in the country. A statement by Mr. Issah Ali, the Executive Director of VALD, and copied to Ghana News Agency (GNA) emphasized the need for the government and stakeholders to shift focus from reaction to prevention in order to break the cycle of drug abuse.
According to Ghana News Agency, this year's theme for the Day was: 'The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention. Break the Cycle.' Mr. Ali highlighted that across many regions, including Ghana, organized networks are expanding drug production and trafficking at an alarming rate, with new drug markets rapidly growing across Africa, Asia, and Europe. He pointed out that synthetic drugs, which include highly potent opioids like nitazenes, are creating new threats and putting pressure on already weak health systems.
Mr. Ali stated that in Ghana and across the region, illicit drug trade is interconnected with crimes such as human trafficking, illegal mining, and environmental destruction. These crimes collectively create a cycle of poverty, exploitation, weak institutions, and addiction that harm the future of communities.
He emphasized that VALD believes stopping drug trafficking requires long-term coordinated actions that address both supply and demand and prevent organized criminal groups from exploiting vulnerabilities. Mr. Ali hence called on the government to invest in prevention, justice, education, healthcare, and alternative livelihoods while urging policymakers to integrate prevention into national development plans and security responses.
Mr. Ali encouraged civil society organizations to strengthen awareness, especially among the youth, and urged all stakeholders to collaborate in breaking the cycle and stopping organized crime. He concluded by noting that investing in prevention is not only a smart choice but also the most humane and effective way to tackle drug abuse and organized crimes. He underscored the need for political will and sustained actions, stating that VALD stands ready to work with all partners to protect communities. "We must act now on the evidence; we must invest in prevention. Together we can break the cycle," he asserted.
