'Drugs do not make you cool; they destroy your future' — Opare Addo advises youth

Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare Addo, has raised concern over the increasing prevalence of drug abuse among young people, describing it as a major threat to Ghana's future.

According to him, available research and data indicate that a significant number of students in both tertiary and second-cycle institutions are aware of drug use, a development he says requires collective action.

The minister made the remarks in a recorded video shared on social media on Friday, June 26, to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

"Our research and data suggest that in our tertiary institutions, 41% of our tertiary students are aware of drug use, and 37% of our second cycle students are also aware of drug use. What this means is that it is becoming a menace to our society," he said.

Mr. Opare Addo urged parents, teachers and guardians to take a keen interest in the lives of young people and support those who have already become victims of substance abuse.

He said the Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment is ready to support young people battling addiction and called on affected persons to seek help.

The minister stressed that drug abuse should not be viewed as an individual problem but rather as a challenge that affects families and the entire nation.

"If one child begins to abuse drug, it doesn't become the problem of the child alone, it becomes a family problem, it becomes a national problem, because drug abuse is a disease that must be eradicated," he stated.

He further warned individuals involved in the trafficking and sale of drugs that government would intensify efforts to clamp down on their activities.

The minister called on all Ghanaians to work together to ensure that schools, communities and other public spaces remain free from drugs.