The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has raised concerns about the rising trend of shisha use among senior high school students in the Ashanti Region.
The authority has also noted an increase in the abuse of other drugs, which poses a significant threat to the future of these young individuals.
Smoking shisha, which involves inhaling flavored tobacco through a water pipe, contains nicotine and can lead to addiction.
Public health organizations, including the World Health Organization, warn that shisha smoking can be as harmful as cigarette smoking.
To combat this trend, the FDA, in collaboration with the KIDA Network, has intensified efforts to educate senior high school students about the dangers and consequences of drug abuse.
Regulatory Officer Prince Osei Owusu has called for stronger cooperation between the Ghana Education Service and the FDA to tackle the issue.
“Students are abusing drugs, especially with the introduction of shisha. This is a modern way of introducing cigarettes into the system, targeting the youth. Many of them don’t realize that shisha is also a form of tobacco.
“I believe that with this information, students will be enlightened and will understand that shisha is a form of tobacco. Based on the schools we’ve visited, I can say that its use is increasing.”
“I think the Ghana Education Service should collaborate with the FDA so we can have access to more schools, as this is where the youth are concentrated.”
Students who have been educated about the risks of drug abuse have committed to avoiding all forms of it.
Diya Williams, Group Coordinator for the KIDA Network, emphasized the need for more awareness about the consequences of drug abuse and addiction.
“We aim to raise more awareness because we believe the current message isn’t loud enough. We’ve added our voices to educate not just the youth but the general public on the risks of drug abuse and addiction.”