Sunyani, June 27, 2025 — Mental health professionals and narcotics control authorities in the Bono Region have raised the alarm over a surge in substance abuse among young people, linking the trend to a sharp rise in mental health admissions and calling for urgent preventive action.
Mr. Joseph Yere, Bono Regional Mental Health Coordinator, revealed that in 2024 alone, the region recorded 367 admissions related to substance-induced mental health conditions, with the majority linked to Indian hemp usage. Speaking at a regional forum to commemorate the 2025 World Drug Day in Sunyani, he warned that the mental health implications of drug abuse were spiraling beyond control.
“We’re not just talking about addiction anymore — we are seeing full-blown mental health crises among young people due to substance abuse,” Mr. Yere stated. “The outpatient numbers are even higher, and it’s a clear indication that we need to act fast and decisively.”
The forum, organised by the Bono Regional Command of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), brought together students, traditional leaders, health workers, and security agencies under the global theme: “The Evidence is Clear: Investing in Prevention”, with the local call to action: “Breaking the Chains: Prevention, Treatment and Recovery for All.”
Mr. Ernest Owusu Sarpong, Bono Regional Commander of NACOC, corroborated the disturbing trend, pointing to increased abuse of tramadol, Indian hemp, “RED” (a suspected synthetic stimulant), and shisha — not just among boys but increasingly among girls as well.
“The proliferation of drugs at ghettos, pubs, poolside parties and even regular drinking spots is fueling a public health crisis. We are particularly worried about the growing number of young women now caught in the web of addiction,” Mr. Sarpong warned.
He explained that many youths turn to drugs due to peer pressure, stress, and the misguided desire to experiment, adding that NACOC has stepped up its efforts through education, surveillance, and community engagement.
“We are intensifying our anti-drug education in schools, churches, markets, mosques and on radio. In the past year alone, we’ve reached over 10,000 students, many of whom might otherwise have fallen victim to drug use,” he noted.
Both Mr. Yere and Mr. Sarpong called for stronger collaboration among schools, parents, community leaders, and government agencies to confront the root causes of drug abuse and provide viable alternatives for youth development.
Their message was clear: while enforcement is critical, prevention through awareness and early intervention remains the most effective way to curb the growing drug menace and its devastating effects on the mental health and future of Ghana’s youth.
