Hon. Ackah Nelson Frank, the National President of the Ghana Association of Assembly Members (GAAM), has expressed deep concern over the growing abuse of opioids (Red) among Ghanaian youth, warning that the nation risks losing an entire generation if immediate action is not taken. According to him, the menace is spreading rapidly across communities, especially in peri-urban and rural areas, with devastating consequences on families, productivity, and public health.
Speaking to the media in an interview, Mr. Nelson, who also serves as the Assembly Member for Asawinso A Electoral Area and a local governance expert, described the current state of drug abuse—particularly opioids like tramadol, codeine mixtures, and other synthetic painkillers—as a “public emergency being ignored.” He emphasized that many young people are silently falling into addiction due to peer pressure, unemployment, and the easy availability of these substances.
“This is not just a health problem. It’s a social disaster in the making. Our future leaders are being wasted on the streets, in ghettos, and even in our schools. If the government does not act now, we will all pay a bigger price in the near future,” he warned.
Mr. Nelson called on the Ministries of Health, Interior, and Local Government to collaborate in launching a nationwide anti-opioid campaign, focusing on education, rehabilitation, and enforcement. He said Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) must also be empowered to support sensitization and community-level monitoring to clamp down on illegal drug distribution points.
He further appealed to the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), the Pharmacy Council, and the Ghana Police Service to intensify their regulatory and enforcement efforts, especially around unlicensed chemical sellers and rogue importers. According to him, many of these harmful drugs are being sold over the counter without any prescriptions, fueling the addiction crisis.
In addition, the GAAM President urged traditional rulers, religious leaders, and youth groups to join the fight by organizing education campaigns and offering peer mentorship programs. “This cannot be left to government alone. The fight against drugs is a collective duty,” he noted.
Mr. Nelson concluded by stating that GAAM will soon roll out a grassroots-driven advocacy programme to engage communities on substance abuse, rehabilitation options, and reintegration strategies. “We owe it to the next generation to fight this menace with all our might,” he stressed.
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