By: Kobina Baidoo
Mental Health Authority of Ghana is marking International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking across the country.
According to a press release issued by the authority, 26th June is set to acknowledge and address the pervasive challenges and devastating effects of drug abuse and illicit trafficking through promoting evidence-based preventive measures.
This year’s theme – ‘The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention’ aligns with the authorities commitment to addressing issues of drug abuse, and focuses on the critical importance of preventative strategies in mitigating the widespread impact of drug abuse.
Drug abuse’s pervasive challenges and devastating effects were extensively discussed in the release which was followed by a demographic outlook of its influence on the youth in Ghana.
The press release which was signed by, Chief Executive of the Ghana Mental Health Authority Prof Pinaman Apau, hinted at the excessive and harmful use of psychoactive substances and illicit drugs like cannabis, heroine, cocaine among others as a growing challenge in Ghana.
According to the District Health Information Management System (DHIMS), cases of mental disorders shot to a record high, positioned in the top ten(10) causes of mental health outpatient attendance in 2023. A total of 3,765 cases of mental disorders due to alcohol use were attended to, and 5,554 cases with respect to other psychoactive substance use. “The 5-year trend of mental disorders due to psychoactive substance use has shown a steady rise in the number of cases from 4,155 in 2019 to 5,554 cases in 2023, with the age range most affected being 20-34 yrs. It must be noted that children as young as 10- 14 years are also presenting with conditions stemming from drug use.” The authority explained.
Nonetheless, the Mental Health Authority of Ghana has secured various partnerships to help in the fight against drug abuse such as Public Awareness Campaigns, Youth and School based programmes, rehabilitation and support services, policy advocacy among others.
This year’s International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking marks the beginning of a greater commitment of the Mental Health Authority of Ghana in mitigating drug abuse and illicit trafficking by strengthening prevention efforts including expanding public education campaigns, enhancing school-based interventions and providing more resources for community-based initiatives, improving access to treatment by increasing the capacity of rehabilitation centres as well as decentralizing and integrating mental health services into primary healthcare, fostering multidisciplinary collaboration by implementing a coordinated effort
across multiple sectors, including health, education, law, enforcement social services and non-governmental organizations to develop holistic and sustainable solutions and empowering communities by engaging closely with local leaders, civil society organizations, and community members to develop tailored interventions that address the specific needs of different communities.
The Mental Health Authority of Ghana calls on all stakeholders including government agencies, non governmental organizations, educational institutions, media and the general public to join in the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking by investing prevention. “By joining forces to implement a people-centered approach to drug policies, with a focus on human rights, empathy, compassion, evidence-based practices, and devoid of judgment and discrimination, we can protect the health and well-being of our citizens and build a healthier, drug-free future for all Ghanaians. The evidence is clear: investing in prevention not only reduces the incidence of drug abuse but also strengthens community well-being and safeguards our collective future.” the authority concluded.