GDCA Calls for Stiffer Punishment, Rehabilitation Centres to Combat Drug Abuse

The Ghana Developing Communities Association (GDCA), a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), has called for strict enforcement of laws on illicit drug trade and imposition of stiffer punishment on offenders.

It also urged the government to provide rehabilitation centres for treatment of drug abuse cases and use monies retrieved from the sale of illicit drugs to sponsor rehabilitation of drug addicts.

According to the NGO, this has become imperative as drug abuse has become a national security concern, with children as young as 10 years falling victim, particularly among students in junior and senior high schools.

This was contained in a resolution adopted at the end of the 29th Denmark Seminar organised by the NGO at the Dalun Simli Centre in the Kumbungu District of the Northern Region from November 11 to 13, 2025, signed by Hajia Kate Sulemana, Chairperson of the Denmark Seminar, and Dr. Osman Al-Hassan, GDCA Chairman.

The seminar, held under the theme “A Ghana Without Illicit Drugs: Our Youth; Our Future,” discussed the effects of illicit drug use on Ghanaian youth, the role of manufacturers and distributors in curbing drug abuse, and the role of traditional leaders in preventing the menace.

Drug Situation

The resolution noted that anti-drug abuse actions have discovered drug cartels operating in many areas in Northern Ghana, with the phenomenon particularly pronounced among students in junior and senior high schools.

“We have noted the rising cases of drug-induced psychosis and substance-related mental illness among the youth,” the document stated.
The resolution highlighted that tramadol is now commonly used by tricycle riders to stay strong, while marijuana is being normalized through peer influence, contributing to increased crime rates, family disintegration, poor academic performance, and mental health issues.

Government Calls

The GDCA called on the Ministry of Education to introduce teaching against drug abuse as part of the curriculum at the basic level and urged the government to provide adequate resources to the Pharmacy Council to increase monitoring of the supply chain of illicit drugs.
The association also called on local government actors to generate data on drug abuse and increase their engagement with law enforcement agencies, while urging harmonization of policies with on-the-ground anti-drug actions.

Stakeholder Responsibilities

Drug manufacturers were called upon to adopt good manufacturing practices and ensure accurate labeling, while drug distributors were urged to promptly alert the Pharmacy Council, Food and Drugs Authority, or Narcotics Control Commission of irregular purchase patterns.

The resolution called on parents to take an active role in their children’s lives, teachers to educate students about life choices beyond academics, and the media to create awareness on the negative effects of drug abuse without glamorizing drugs.

The GDCA resolved to work with traditional authorities to tailor actions that help save the lives of young people in communities and committed to working with local leaders, parents, and stakeholders to support educational and training programs.

Story By: Nelson Adanuti Nyadror |www.diamondfmonline.com |Ghana.