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Drug abuse is one of the major social and public health challenges facing Ghana, Africa and the world at large. It refers to the harmful or improper use of illegal substances or the misuse of prescription medicines, which can result in physical, psychological and social problems. Prolonged and uncontrolled drug use can lead to dependence and addiction, affecting an individual’s health, education, relationships and future prospects.

Drugs can be broadly classified into different categories based on their effects on the body. Two common categories are depressants and stimulants. Depressant drugs slow down the activity of the brain and central nervous system, causing relaxation and reduced alertness. Alcohol is an example. Stimulants, on the other hand, increase activity in the brain and nervous system, making a person feel more alert or energetic. Tobacco and some other substances fall within this broad category.

Sunyani New Town
Newtown, a suburb of Sunyani, has a population of approximately 10,000, with most residents engaged in various economic activities such as trading, dress-making, hair-dressing and entrepreneurial jobs. There are a sizeable number of public sector workers in this suburb as well.

One major problem affecting the youth of this suburb is drug abuse. A lot of the youth of this area, mostly teenagers, are into illicit use of various substances and also engage in various social vices. Approximately half of the teenage population are drug addicts, and due to this they involve themselves in so many social vices, gradually making the place unsafe for other residents.

There are several factors that can contribute to drug abuse in Sunyani New Town, particularly among adolescents. These include peer pressure, curiosity, poverty, broken homes, social media influence, lack of parental supervision and inadequate education about the dangers of substance abuse.

One major factor is improper parental care and supervision. Children who grow up without adequate guidance, attention and positive role models may become vulnerable to these negative influences. Young people in this suburd also learn behaviours by observing adults around them. Parents and guardians therefore have an important responsibility to provide proper guidance, communicate openly with their children and help them make responsible decisions.

Akorokwadwomu
A place called Akorokwadwomu located in Sunyani New Town is considered as “wee base” where these youth usually gather to either smoke or inhale all kinds of substances. This “wee base” is a very popular spot known to most residents of Sunyani. Both older men and women as well as young people gather virtually every day purposely to smoke or inhale various kinds of dangerous substances.

The youth who engage in this illicit activity often do so at the expense of their education, eventually dropping out of school. Many sneak away from school to the drug-use spots, where prolonged exposure can lead to addiction. As their dependence on the drugs increases, they gradually lose interest in their education and eventually abandon school altogether.

The teenage girls who engage in this harmful practice are also exposed to serious risks, including sexual exploitation, abuse and teenage pregnancy. Some reportedly lose control of their actions after using drugs and may become vulnerable to sexual abuse by men in the area. This situation could contribute to the growing incidence of teenage pregnancy in Sunyani New Town.

There are also concerns about the long-term effects of substance abuse on young women and their children. These concerns highlight the need for increased public education, access to counselling and stronger interventions to protect adolescents from drug abuse and its associated consequences. If the situation is not addressed urgently, it could have serious implications for the health, education and future prospects of many young people in the community.

Moreover, reports of robbery and other violent incidents in the Akorakwadwomu area have heightened concerns about the safety of residents and adolescents. The situation has created an atmosphere of fear among some residents of Newtown, with many people feeling safest within the confines of their homes.

Contributing factors
Peer pressure is another significant factor. Adolescents often place considerable importance on the opinions and acceptance of their friends. Some young people may therefore experiment with drugs because their peers encourage them to do so or because they want to fit into a particular social group. At this stage of life, young people may sometimes ignore advice from parents, teachers and other responsible adults in favour of the influence of their peers.

Another contributing factor is the lack of adequate education and awareness about drug abuse. Some adolescents may not fully understand the dangers associated with substance use, including its effects on their physical and mental health, academic performance and relationships. Comprehensive drug education in schools and communities can help young people make informed decisions and recognise the risks associated with substance abuse.

Effects
The effects of drug abuse can be extremely devastating. They include drug dependence and addiction, poor academic performance, mental and physical health problems, strained family and social relationships, involvement in crime and other legal problems. For students in particular, drug abuse can result in absenteeism, loss of interest in school and, ultimately, dropping out.

Way forward
However, the problem can be reduced if individuals, families, schools, communities and government work together to address its underlying causes.

As adolescents, we must take our education seriously, choose our friends carefully and avoid environments that encourage drug use. We should also seek help from trusted parents, teachers, counsellors or other responsible adults when we face challenges that could make us vulnerable to substance abuse.

The government and other stakeholders also have an important role to play. There is a need for effective enforcement of drug laws, increased public education, accessible treatment and rehabilitation services, and stronger monitoring and regulation of substances that can be abused. Schools and communities should also be equipped with counselling and prevention programmes that specifically target young people.

Parents, teachers, religious leaders, traditional leaders and community organisations must equally contribute to the fight against drug abuse by providing young people with guidance, support and positive alternatives.

With the implementation of these measures and sustained cooperation among all stakeholders, I am confident that Ghana can significantly reduce the prevalence and harmful effects of drug abuse. Although eliminating the problem completely may be difficult, concerted efforts can protect young people and create a healthier and more productive society.

As a citizen journalist, I therefore appeal to the Sunyani Municipal Chief Executive, relevant stakeholders, the Assembly Member for Sunyani New Town and other public officials to take urgent steps to improve security in the area. Increased police patrols, community policing and other appropriate security measures could help deter criminal activities and make the area safer for residents.

I also appeal to parents and guardians to pay close attention to the activities and movements of their children. They should educate and counsel them about the dangers of drug abuse and encourage them to stay away from environments where they could be exposed to harmful substances and negative influences.

It is my firm conviction that, if these measures are implemented alongside sustained public education, counselling and community engagement, the growing problem of drug abuse in Newtown can be significantly reduced.

(The author is a 13-year-old pupil of St. James JHS in Sunyani and a Citizen Journalist)