A member of the Executive Committee of the Pharmaceutical Association of Ghana, Dr. Richmond Adusei Poku, has sounded the alarm on the alarming rate of opioid abuse among the youth in Ghana.
He advocates for rigorous education on the harmful effects of the illegal use and abuse of opioids, warning that it can lead to addiction and, subsequently, social vices like armed robbery and murder.
According to Dr. Adusei Poku, the abuse of opioids has become a pressing concern in Ghana, with many young people falling prey to its destructive effects.
He emphasized that opioids are highly addictive and can have devastating consequences on an individual’s life, including damage to their physical and mental health, relationships, and overall well-being.
In an interview on Otec FM’s morning show “Nyansapo”, hosted by Isaac Osei Akoto, on Wednesday, Dr. Adusei Poku stressed that “education is key to combating the opioid epidemic among Ghanaian youth.”
He called on stakeholders, including the government, healthcare professionals, educators, and parents, to join forces in educating young people about the dangers of opioid abuse.
“The education on illegal use and abuse of drugs should start from the primary schools so that the children will grow with it. There should be public education on national televisions, radios, bus terminals, and so on,” Dr. Adusei Poku advocated.
Dr. Richmond Adusei Poku also urged the National Narcotics Commission to step up its efforts to prevent the influx of opioids into the country.
He emphasized that the drug is wreaking havoc on young lives and should be a concern for everyone.
