A coalition of traditional leaders, youth advocates, mental health experts, and media professionals gathered in Tamale to forge a united front against the escalating substance abuse crisis in Northern Ghana.
Organized by the NGO Savana Signatures, the stakeholders’ engagement under the theme “Strengthening Multi-Stakeholder Solutions for a Substance-Free Northern Ghana” focused on creating community-led, sustainable strategies to curb substance misuse, particularly among young people.
Dr. Stephen Agbenyo, Executive Director of Savana Signatures, emphasized the importance of collaboration, data sharing, and a holistic approach to prevention, rehabilitation, and policy advocacy during the forum.
Addressing the root causes, Mr. Peter Yaro of BasicNeeds-Ghana highlighted gaps in mental health services and the erosion of traditional protective family structures, underscoring the need for integrated interventions to address both substance use and psychological distress.
Media analysis presented by journalist Mohammed Fugu revealed the prevalence of sensationalized and event-driven reporting on substance abuse, calling for improved journalist training to promote more nuanced and solution-oriented coverage.
The assembly received strong backing from Sagnar-Naa Yakubu Abdulai, Paramount Chief of Sagnarigu, who pledged traditional authority support to amplify efforts in combating the menace.
This engagement marks a critical step towards coordinated, cross-sectoral action to safeguard the youth and foster healthier communities in Northern Ghana.
