The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has issued a stark warning regarding the alarming trend of drug use among young people in Ghana, with a 2025 study revealing that a staggering 10% of individuals who begin using substances started before the age of 15. This figure represents a significant escalation from previous estimates, which indicated that 54% of drug users began using substances before the age of 19. Major General Maxwell Obuba, Director-General of NACOC, underscored this concern during a Wednesday address at the International Youth Day celebration in Kumasi, calling for immediate and comprehensive action.
The study, conducted by the University of Ghana School of Public Health, found that this figure is not isolated; 88.5% of individuals who received treatment for substance use disorders in 2025 were between the ages of 20 and 44 years old. This highlights a critical burden of substance use among young adults during their productive years, potentially impacting workforce participation and societal stability.
‘Those figures should make us pause and think about how deeply opioid use and misuse have penetrated some of our communities,’ Major General Obuba stated, emphasizing the urgent need for proactive measures. He stressed the importance of early intervention and prevention, arguing that interventions must begin early enough to protect children and adolescents from developing substance use disorders.
The NACOC Director-General also revealed a concerning number of individuals receiving treatment, with 1,179 people receiving treatment through 30 treatment centers across the country in 2025. A significant portion of these individuals, 88.5%, were between the ages of 20 and 44, underscoring the substantial strain placed on this demographic group.
Furthermore, the report indicates that the focus must shift from solely enforcement measures to comprehensive prevention, education, treatment, and rehabilitation programs. The NACOC is collaborating with families, schools, communities, and relevant state institutions to educate young people about the dangers of drug use and to ensure that those at risk receive the necessary support. The announcement has also triggered a suspension of the Legon Hospital’s OPD (Operations and Patrol) and specialist services, highlighting the seriousness of the situation.
The study’s implications extend beyond the immediate impact on young people; it raises broader questions about societal attitudes and the potential long-term consequences of substance use. NACOC is committed to working with stakeholders to develop a strategy that addresses this growing crisis and protects the health and well-being of future generations.
Watch Related Video
Source: Adom Online
