The growing abuse of drugs among young people and some adults, including women, has become a serious threat to families and national development, the Nifahene of Techiman, Nana Boakye Ameyaw Pemtemprem, has said. He made the remarks while speaking at the annual festival of the Aduana Royal Family in Techiman. Nana Boakye said drug abuse was contributing to school dropouts, mental-health problems and social hardship. Some affected young people, he noted, later become dependent on their families instead of developing into productive citizens. In contrast, others suffer severe mental illness and are unable to function normally in society.<\/p>\n

Recent data underline the seriousness of the concern. Ghana\u2019s Mental Health Authority reported that health facilities attended to 3,765 cases of mental disorders related to alcohol use and 5,554 cases linked to other psychoactive substances in 2023. Cases involving psychoactive substances increased from 4,155 in 2019 to 5,554 in 2023, with people aged 20 to 34 the most affected. The Authority also warned that children between 10 and 14 were presenting with conditions associated with drug use.<\/p>\n