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Tag: Drug Abuse

  • NPP to meet today over drug trafficking allegations

    NPP to meet today over drug trafficking allegations

    The New Patriotic Party (NPP) will convene at its headquarters on Monday, April 7, to focus on the growing unease over alleged drug trafficking incidents in Ghana.

    While speculation had circulated that the meeting would center on former Dome-Kwabenya MP Sarah Adwoa Safo and possible disciplinary actions against her, the party’s General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, has set the record straight.

    In an interview on Channel One Newsroom on Sunday, April 6, Frimpong addressed the issue directly: “[Monday] there will be a meeting at the NPP headquarters, but I am going to disappoint you—it is not going to be a discussion on whether or not Honourable Adwoa Safo is going to appear before a disciplinary committee or not.

    “However, what the party is going to discuss is the running issue with respect to the alleged drug trafficking in our country, which the rank and file of our party have expressed its disappointment and the worrying behaviour of this government.”

    Frimpong didn’t hold back in his criticism of the government’s handling of the controversy. He called out what he described as efforts to downplay or obscure key facts.

    “The several mind-boggling questions that we are expecting the government to explain to the people of Ghana and also the inconsistencies in its attempt to sweep under the carpet several issues that concern or surround the alleged drug trafficking in our airport,” he said.

    According to the NPP, the aim of the meeting is to develop a coordinated response to the issue and urge the government to be more forthcoming in addressing public concerns.

  • Video: Opare Addo alleges some prominent people are fueling the red drug crisis

    Video: Opare Addo alleges some prominent people are fueling the red drug crisis

    Minister of Youth Empowerment and Development, George Opare Addo, has raised serious concerns about the rising cases of drug abuse in Ghana, particularly among young people.

    He also claimed that some well-respected figures in society are secretly involved in distributing these substances, worsening the crisis.

    “I am hearing names on this drug menace, and they are very alarming. We need to be very frank with ourselves if we want to tackle this issue head-on,” he said.


    In an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show, Mr. Opare called on security agencies to be more alert and take stronger action.

    To help tackle the problem, he revealed that the government plans to carry out lifestyle audits on individuals suspected of being involved in the drug trade.
    “Drug trafficking is a big business, and we need to be aware of how deep this issue runs. The time to act is now,” he stated.


    Mr. Opare, who is also the National Youth Organizer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), stated that everything affecting young people must be addressed.


    “Everywhere in the world, if regulations are loose, people will find ways to exploit them. We must let intelligence guide us as a country in combating this problem.”
    The growing abuse of drugs, including marijuana, tramadol, cough syrup mixtures, and “wonim red,” shows that many young people are struggling with serious issues.

    The Minister emphasized the need for immediate action to stop this problem from getting worse.

    “We will soon launch an effective and massive campaign to combat drug abuse. We will educate the public, help those in need of rehabilitation, and provide alternative livelihoods. We won’t allow drugs to destroy our country,” Mr. Opare revealed.
    He also pointed out that while drug abuse was once largely confined to slums, it is now spreading rapidly, even in universities.

    “This is a very bad trend and it is affecting the future of our youth. Our campaign will cover all of this—schools, churches, and even traditional authorities will be involved.”

    Mr. Opare called on businesses in Ghana to back this initiative, emphasizing the need for the country to invest in programs that create positive and lasting change.

    “We are not safe, considering how rampant this issue has become. We intend to go everywhere to ensure drugs don’t destroy our future.”
    The campaign will carry the message “Red means stop,” symbolizing the urgent need to put an end to the drug menace and protect the future of Ghana’s youth.

  • Some ‘big men’ use artist to promote their drugs Trigmatic alleges

    Some ‘big men’ use artist to promote their drugs Trigmatic alleges

    Ghanaian musician and songwriter, Trigmatic, has made a startling revelation about the involvement of influential figures in drug cultivation and their alleged use of artistes to promote drug use in the country.

    Speaking in a recent interview, Trigmatic expressed concerns about the pressure some artistes face due to the influence of certain high-ranking individuals in society. According to him, these figures deliberately cultivate drugs and strategically involve upcoming artistes in their promotion.

    “There are people in high places who cultivate these drugs, and their goal is to use artistes to promote them,” he stated.

    The musician also addressed the impact of fame, especially its attraction of attention from women, and emphasized the importance of self-discipline.

    “As for fame, it naturally attracts attention, especially from women, but it all depends on how you handle it,” he noted.

    Trigmatic further advised young men, particularly those in the entertainment industry, to avoid anything that could control their lives, including drug abuse and womanizing.

    “As a man, if you want to be independent mentally, physically, and emotionally, don’t engage in anything that controls you, whether it’s drug abuse or womanizing. I personally avoid anything that puts me under subjection,” he added.

    Trigmatic also cautioned young creatives about the harmful effects of drug abuse on their careers.

    In an interview with Nana Romeo on Accra FM on February 21, 2025, Trigmatic stated that artistes who rely on drugs to boost their confidence are exhibiting signs of weakness.

    He emphasized that drugs have the potential to destroy great talent if caution is not exercised.

    “I don’t see why you would do something that could kill or destroy you just because advertisers have made it seem cool. If you think that will give you validation, then you are weak. Because if you truly believe in yourself, you won’t do drugs or be swayed by pressure from others,” he said.

  • Drug abuse linked to 25% of Youth deaths – Study finds

    Drug abuse linked to 25% of Youth deaths – Study finds

    A recent study recommends making specific plans to reduce harm after finding that one out of every four deaths in the 20s and 30s age group was caused by opioids in 2021.

    Researchers at the University of Toronto found that the number of people who died from opioids in Canada each year increased to 6,200 between 2019 and 2021.

    They found that the number of 30-year-olds in Manitoba is five times higher now, in Saskatchewan it has almost tripled, and in Alberta, it has increased by more than two and a half times.

    Scientists noticed that the increase happened at the same time as the pandemic rules made it harder to get help for using drugs safely and increased the possibility of dangerous drugs coming across the border.

    Tara Gomes, the main writer, says that the big increase shows that provinces need to work quicker to stop overdose deaths.

    Scientists studied how many people died from accidentally taking opioids in different parts of Canada. They looked at British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, along with the Northwest Territories.

    The research was released today in a medical journal from Canada.

  • Youth, musicians in Upper East engaged in drug and alcohol abuse – Jocom Golden Hotel CEO

    Youth, musicians in Upper East engaged in drug and alcohol abuse – Jocom Golden Hotel CEO

    CEO of Jocom Golden Hotel and Jocom Enterprise, Joseph Ayamga, has expressed his concern about the growing prevalence of drug abuse and alcoholism, particularly among musicians in the Upper East Region of Ghana.

    Speaking at an end-of-year dinner party, Ayamga underscored the negative impact of these vices on the music industry and called for immediate action to address the issue.

    Mr Ayamga, a prominent figure in the hospitality industry and a supporter of local talent, voiced disappointment at witnessing talented musicians succumb to substance abuse.

    He highlighted the detrimental effects of drug abuse and excessive alcohol consumption, not only on individuals but also on the overall reputation of the music industry.

    “The Youth unfortunately most of them are taking a lot of alcohol. That’s the other aspect I don’t like. I used to drink but not so much. Today’s youth will just drink hard liquor which is very bad. If we have a way of getting them out of alcoholism and getting strictly on entertainment.

    “Alcoholism is not part of being an artiste or whatever. The two cannot match. If you want to go seriously into alcoholism, you become a useless person. My advice for them is to stay away from alcohol.

    .. As an elderly person, I’m 57 years old, and I have never taken real beer before. The least I can do is Shandy. If I take Orijin Beer, I will go and sleep the whole day. My workers know. If you are young, you don’t need to drink alcohol for you to do anything.  So my advice is to stay away from alcohol.…some of them (musicians ) even take hard drugs, weed, and so on.,” he said.

    The CEO emphasized the significant role that musicians play in society, often serving as role models for young people. He expressed concern that the unhealthy habits of musicians could influence impressionable minds, potentially contributing to an increase in drug abuse among the youth.

    “I’m trying to prevent people from smoking because those things can spoil human life. We know that people are already addicted and it is not through this hotel. This hotel will not allow anyone’s child to come and smoke weed.

    Once you are playing music you have a lot of groups of these young men coming and sometimes the control is very difficult. Our parents too do not take care of these people very well. The characters begin from their various homes. They will leave it and come to blame event organizers “ he concluded.

    Joseph Ayamga urged stakeholders within the music industry, including artists themselves, to take responsibility for their actions and set a positive example for their fans. He called for increased awareness campaigns on the dangers of substance abuse and encouraged musicians to seek help if they were struggling with addiction.

    The CEO suggested that event organizers should prioritize hiring artists who promote a healthy lifestyle and refrain from booking those known for their involvement in drugs or excessive drinking. By doing so, he believes that event organizers can contribute to creating a more responsible music scene.

    Furthermore, Ayamga proposed collaborations between local authorities, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and musicians to develop programs aimed at rehabilitating those already affected by drug abuse or alcoholism.

    He emphasized that providing support systems for struggling artists is essential in helping them overcome addiction and regain control over their lives.

    In a positive and celebratory note, Mr. Joseph Ayamga invited and celebrated his bankers, partners, staff, and loyal customers to meet, Merry, and Greet on January 15th, 2024.

  • CCCF-Gh urges Chiefs to collaborate with police to prevent drug peddling in communities

    CCCF-Gh urges Chiefs to collaborate with police to prevent drug peddling in communities

    Community Concerns and Care Foundation-Ghana (CCCF-Gh) and other five civil society organizations have called on chiefs and opinion leaders to collaborate with the police to help prevent drug peddling in their communities.

    They said this would go a long way to protect the youth from engaging in the use of drugs and other substances that could lead to destroying their future, becoming a liability to their families, and a threat to society.

    The other organizations are DJtv, Chief Jihad Media, Foundation for Islamic Welfare, Vision for Alternative Development (VALD), and the Institute of Leadership and Development.

    The organizations made the call when they, the chiefs, opinion leaders, and the people of Nima Hot Coffee in Accra joined the world to observe the UN International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

    The Day has been set aside by the UN to be observed annually around the globe on 26th June, to create awareness of the dangers of drug and substance use. This year’s theme was: “People First, Stop Stigma and Discrimination, Strengthen Prevention.”

    Fred Agbobli, the Deputy Executive Director of CCCF-Gh in a welcoming address said on the 7th of December 1987, the UN General Assembly, by Resolution 42/112, decided to set aside the Day.

    “This UN decision was an expression of its determination to strengthen action and cooperation to achieve the goal of an international society free of drug abuse.

    “It was this laudable and noble determination, that gave birth to the CCF-Gh as a stakeholder institution, to join the global action to beat down the drug-abuse menace, having seen its debilitating social ramifications on our future human resource capital and society at large,” he stated.

    Ahmed Abubakar in a message read on behalf of VALD said among the goals of the organisation was to advocate against the consumption and use of unhealthy commodities such as tobacco, alcohol, illicit drugs (forbidden by law), and narcotic substances.

    “We at VALD are therefore very pleased to be associated with today’s program, which has been organized to observe the Day,” he stated.

    He said the world drug problem was a complex issue that affected millions of people worldwide, stating; “Many people who use drugs face stigma and discrimination, which can further harm their physical and mental health and prevent them from accessing the help they need.”

    Abubakar explained; “This year’s theme is therefore meant to encourage all and sundry to welcome our brothers and sisters who are unfortunate to be using illicit drugs with open arms, to treat them with respect, compassion, and empathy, in order that we may give them the necessary help they may need.”

    He said the campaign for this year was also aimed to combat stigma and discrimination against people who use drugs by promoting language and attitudes that were respectful and non-judgemental.

  • NACOC reveals 53% of males from 15 to 65 years abuse drugs

    NACOC reveals 53% of males from 15 to 65 years abuse drugs

    The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has hinted that 53 per cent of males between the ages of 15 to 65 are engaging in drug abuse.

    The world commemorate International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking on June 26, annually. Theme for this year’s celebration is ‘’People first: stop stigma and discrimination, strengthen prevention”.

    But Acting Director-Public Affairs and International Relations at Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), Francis Opoku Amoah explained that the percentage of women also now abusing drugs is staggering.

    He mentioned that, they visited some rehabilitation centers and figures from the centers showed that, 47% of female are into drug abuse.

    “Previously, when we talk about drug abuse, you will think about men but now figures from the rehabilitation centers we visited revealed that,  fifty 53% of male between the ages of 15-65 are engaging in drug abuse while the remaining 47% are female .But so far, male are still dominating drug abuse in the country.”

    Mr. Amoah said peer pressure, adventurous as factors that drag the men into such act whereas relationships, peer pressure and exploratory among the things leading the woman into it.

    He was speaking with Akua Boakyewaa Yiadom on Adom FM’s programme, Burning Issues.

    Acting Director – Public Affairs and International Relations at Narcotics Control Commission was asked how the state can curb this menace, he answered by saying most of those abusing the drugs are ignorant about the effects on them so there is the need for massive education to sensitize the youth about the dangers of drug abuse on their lives and the need for them to desist from it.

    He also urged women whose partners are luring them into such dangerous behaviors to quit the relationship.

    Francis Opoku Amoah stated again that, the rehabilitation centers in the Country are not enough to help treat some of these people who have become drug addict which is also a major problem in helping victims.

    Again, he added that the law that changed their name from Narcotics Control Board to Narcotics Control Commission has also reviewed punishment given to those who are arrested for engaging in hard drug

    “At first when one is arrested for engaging in hard drugs is arraigned before court and when found guilty, he or she is given at five years imprisonment but now with the new law, people who are arrested for engaging in hard drug, they are taken to court and the judges together with doctors will have to examine the fellow and they will recommend if she or she should be taken to a rehabilitation center.”

    He concluded that, the new law allows persons arrested on drugs to be sent to rehabs rather than imprisonment.

  • Kodak Black declared wanted

    Kodak Black declared wanted

    American rapper, Kodak Black, has been declared wanted by authorities in Florida.

    This is according to TMZ reports.

    An arrest warrant was reportedly issued by a Broward County judge on Thursday, February 23 and filed in court on Friday after the rapper allegedly violated the conditions of his bail by failing to show up for a random drug test on Feb. 3. Authorities claim that when he finally did come in on Feb. 8, he tested positive for fentanyl. If he is apprehended, Kodak has been ordered to be kept in custody until his hearing from a previous case involving oxycodone is held.

    Kodak was arrested in July of 2022 after police pulled the Back for Everything artist over. Police claimed they discovered 31 oxycodone pills following a search of the vehicle he was in. In response to the arrest, which took place in Ft. Lauderdale and saw him being charged with possession of a controlled substance without prescription and trafficking in oxycodone, Kodak’s attorney Bradford Cohen said that the rapper was legally prescribed the oxycodone that cops seized from the rapper. According to TMZ, Cohen also said that Kodak suffered from “chronic pain” as a result of being shot in Los Angeles in Feb. of 2022. Kodak was eventually released after posting bond. A condition of his release is that he be regularly drug tested. 

    Shortly after the shooting, which occurred outside The Nice Guy during Super Bowl weekend, Justin Bieber and Kodak were reportedly sued by two men. Mark Schaefer and Adam Rahman claimed they were shot in the incident and are placing blame on Kodak for allegedly escalating the situation. They’re also suing the venue, Los Angeles County, the City of Los Angeles, and the City of West Hollywood. 

    Complex has reached out to Bradford Cohen for comment regarding the arrest warrant. Stay tuned as more information becomes available. 

    Source: Complex.com

  • Santa Claus impersonator arrested on sexual assault, drug charges

    A Santa Claus impersonator in the Quebec City area has been arrested on multiple sexual assault and drug related charges.

    According to a news release by the Sûreté du Québec provincial police, 71-year-old Réjean Bacon is believed to have sexually assaulted five women. Bacon also faces charges of voyeurism, drug possession and trafficking, and obtaining sexual services.

    Local media reports say Bacon has been identified as a popular Santa Claus impersonator in the area. According to CTV News Montreal: “images of a man dressed in a Santa suit on a Facebook profile under the name Réjean Bacon match the photo of the accused.”

    The provincial police say Bacon was arrested last May. Police received a search warrant for his home, which led to the seizure of computer equipment.

    He was later released with conditions. The analysis of the computer material then made it possible to lay these latest charges.

    Source: Complex.com

  • We are losing our youth to drugs – Drug addiction counsellor

    Drug addiction counselor Lydia Abena Manu has stated that the government must pay attention to drug addiction or Ghana will lose her working youth. 

    In an exclusive interview on SVTV Africa, Lydia indicated that the drug-addicted youth might take over the country if the right institutions fail to change the narrative. 

    “The perception about mental health and rig addiction is sad and serious. If you and I don’t get support and we quit, there will be a time when we won’t be able to move about after 6 pm because of drug addicts. It is going to be more serious than it is now. Drug addiction is not spiritual. There is a craving for it, and that is why they keep going back to it,” she said.

    Madam Lydia also highlighted some indications of a drug user; Isolation, Change in appetite (sugary foods and ice), often preferring to wear brighter colors, etc. 

    She also applauded SVTV Africa for its contribution to the campaign on drug addiction. However, she disclosed that “I’ve been campaigning for ten years with any sponsorship, but I don’t give up. Even if two people watch this interview and change, I’m okay.” 

    Madam Lydia is an addiction counselor who specializes in the treatment and prevention of drugs. She is the head of Willing Way Foundation Ghana in the Ashanti region, Kumasi. 

    Kindly watch the full interview below

    Source: SVTV Africa, Contributor

  • Police arrests 2 suspects for possessing ammunition, illicit drugs

    The police command at Worawora in the Oti Region has arrested two suspects for allegedly buying G-3 ammunition.

    They were also caught possessing wraps of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp at Kwamekrom Abdulkordzi, a suburb of Worawora on Monday, 22 March 2021.

    The suspects, Godwin Kpodo Agbevitor (Landlord) and Samuel Agbesshi alias Ada Emma, were arrested at Kwamekrom Abdulkordzi as a result of police-public cooperation.

    A statement issued by the Public Affairs Officer of the Oti Regional Police Command, ASP John Nchor, on 29 March 2021, indicated that “16 wraps of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp and 181 rounds of suspected G-3 ammunition have so far been retrieved from the suspects, respectively”.

    They have currently been remanded in police custody by the Jasikan Circuit Court.

    The Oti Regional Police Command is, therefore, “encouraging the public to report persons involved in criminal activities” to the law enforcers “to face the rigors of the law” and assured the informants of “absolute confidentiality”.

    Source: Class FM

  • Paracetamol abuse could cause liver, kidney failures Expert

    A medical doctor with the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Gbenga Adebusoye, has warned that abuse of paracetamol in general and in tenderising meat in particular, could lead to liver and kidney failures.

    Dr Adebusoye gave the warning in a telephone interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday. He said drugs were chemicals and should not be taken lightly and when abused, they could be toxic to the human system and could endanger lives.

    According to him, the abuse of paracetamol leads to rapid damage of the liver, which can cause acute liver injury that could result in liver failure that can not be managed except by a liver transplant.

    The medical expert said that paracetamol should not be used to tenderise meat and for any other purpose, asides its clinical use and the specified dosage as its abuse was highly detrimental to health. He said that drugs were usually meant to be stored in places with cool temperatures not above 25 degrees Celsius.

    He said if drugs were not properly stored and left in places with high temperature, the act could damage the content of the drugs, making it less potent.

    And with the possibility of chemical reactions that could be dangerous and harmful, turning the drug from a useful substance to a harmful one, he said.

    Dr Adebusoye, therefore, advised people to desist from the abuse of drugs in general as such act could be very fatal.

    NAN reports that some food vendors and caterers in the country have been understood to be using paracetamol tablets to tenderise tough meat.

    Others even use tablespoons, nails and potassium to cook food.

    Some food vendors in Jos denied making use of paracetamol in tenderising their meats, but some admitted to using potassium in tenderising cowhide (Pomo) and beans.

    Source: vanguardngr.com