The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) in Ghana has issued a serious warning following a 2025 study that reveals a concerning trend: 10% of individuals who use illicit substances began their journey before the age of 15. This alarming statistic, detailed in a report released by the University of Ghana School of Public Health, underscores a growing problem with drug use, particularly concerning opioid misuse. The study, published in a 2025 academic journal, found that 54% of drug users started using substances before the age of 19, compared to 10% before the age of 15. Major General Maxwell Obuba, Director-General of NACOC, emphasized this stark reality, stating, ‘Those figures should make us pause and think about how deeply opioid use and misuse have penetrated some of our communities.’
Ouba further stressed the critical need for immediate action to address this escalating issue. He explained that the figures highlight a vulnerability, particularly among young people, exposing them to the potential harms of drug use at a younger age. The NACOC has been tasked with strengthening preventative measures, launching robust public education campaigns, and establishing comprehensive support systems to safeguard young individuals from developing substance use disorders. The director-general highlighted the vital role of families, schools, communities, and relevant state institutions in educating young people about the dangers of drug use.
The 2025 data also reveals a significant burden of substance use among individuals in their productive years, with 88.5% of those receiving treatment through 30 treatment centers across the country being between 20 and 44 years old. This demographic represents a substantial strain on the nation’s resources, particularly in terms of healthcare and social services. Ouba acknowledged that the current approach – combining enforcement with prevention, education, treatment, and rehabilitation – is insufficient to effectively tackle the drug-use crisis. He stated, ‘The need for Ghana to combine enforcement measures with prevention, education, treatment and rehabilitation to tackle the drug-use problem effectively.’
The announcement has triggered a response from Legon Hospital, where the police force has suspended operations, citing specialist services as a priority. This move signals a heightened focus on substance abuse control and underscores the gravity of the situation.
This study underscores a growing concern within Ghana’s public health landscape. The NACOC’s call for intensified efforts is a direct response to the concerning trend of young people entering the drug world before the age of 15. The challenges facing the nation are significant, and the long-term implications of this trend demand immediate and coordinated action.
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Source: Adom Online
