Catholic Bishops demand stronger laws to curb youth drug abuse

The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference is calling for tougher laws and stronger enforcement to stem the growing abuse of tramadol, marijuana, “Red” and other drugs among young people.

The Bishops say the widespread availability of these substances is contributing to the destruction of the lives of many young people and poses a serious challenge to communities across the country.

Most Rev. Matthew Gyamfi, President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, said authorities must take urgent steps to prevent the illegal importation and distribution of drugs that are easily accessible to the youth.

He said the national fight against drugs should not be limited to substances such as cocaine, which may attract greater attention because of their international trafficking profile.

According to him, commonly available drugs are being abused on a much larger scale and therefore require a stronger response.

“In our villages and towns, we know the young men and women have taken to drugs—tramadol, ‘Red’, marijuana—and this is destroying many, many young men and women,” he said.

Most Rev. Gyamfi further urged the government to introduce and enforce measures that would remove such substances from shelves and restrict their importation.

The Bishops call forms part of broader concerns over the impact of drug abuse on Ghanaian youth.

They are urging authorities to combine stronger enforcement with prevention and public education initiatives to reduce substance abuse and protect young people from its long-term consequences.