The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference has called for stronger action to curb the widespread use and abuse of tramadol, marijuana and other easily accessible drugs in the country. The Bishops say the growing abuse of these substances is having a serious impact on the youth and deserves greater attention as part of the national effort to combat drug trafficking and substance abuse.
They argue that the country’s fight against drugs should extend beyond cocaine and other high-profile narcotics to include substances that are more readily available in communities and are increasingly being abused by young people. Speaking to Citi News, President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Most Rev. Matthew Gyamfi, said the rising use of tramadol, marijuana and other drugs among young people requires urgent intervention.
He noted that drug abuse has become increasingly common in communities across the country, with substances such as tramadol, “Red” and marijuana contributing to the deterioration of the lives of many young people. Most Rev. Gyamfi stressed that the national response must reflect the scale of abuse involving drugs that are easily accessible to young people.
He called on the government to introduce stronger laws and enforcement measures to restrict the importation and illegal sale of such substances and ensure they are removed from circulation.
The Bishops’ concerns form part of their broader call for a stronger national response to the growing drug menace and its impact on young people and communities. They are urging authorities to intensify efforts to prevent the illegal supply of drugs while strengthening education and prevention programmes aimed at reducing substance abuse among the youth.
