“Drugs are the enemies of ambition and hope, and when we fight against drugs we are fighting for the future.” Bob Riley
Concerns about the misuse of tramadol and other lesser-known but extremely harmful drugs are developing, and illicit drug usage is becoming a bigger problem in Ghana and throughout West Africa. The region is witnessing a disturbing trend where the youth and vulnerable populations fall victim to cheap, addictive, and often deadly drugs. While tramadol has dominated headlines, substances such as Kush, Arizona, Shisha mix, Methamphetamine (Ice), and locally brewed narcotics are wreaking havoc in communities.
A surge in Illicit drug use: West Africa has become a transit hub for international drug trafficking networks, with a portion of these drugs finding their way into local communities. In Ghana, drug use has escalated among the youth, particularly in urban centres like Accra, Kumasi, Tamale, and Takoradi. The situation is no different in Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and other neighbouring countries, where drug-related crimes and health emergencies are on the rise. In Ghana, young men and women, some barely teenagers, gather in dimly lit corners to smoke this pungent, chemically laced substance known as Kush. While tramadol, a prescription painkiller that is widely abused for its sedative and euphoric effects once dominated conversations about West Africa’s drug crisis, a darker and more complex epidemic is unfolding. From synthetic cannabinoids to codeine-laced cocktails, lesser-known drugs are ravaging communities, exposing gaps in regulation, healthcare, and regional security.
For years, tramadol, a synthetic opioid symbolized West Africa’s drug problem. Cheap, addictive, and smuggled en masse from Asia, it became the painkiller of choice for labourers, students, and even housewives. In 2021, Ghana’s Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) seized over 7 million tramadol tablets, while Nigeria intercepted 150 million doses in a single bust. Focusing solely on tramadol obscures a far deadlier reality: a surge in novel, underreported drugs that evade traditional detection and fuel a public health catastrophe. The emergence of harmful drug mixtures, such as Kush, Khadafi, and Monkey Tail, further complicates the situation. These combinations present new public health threats, necessitating enhanced capacities to promptly identify and analyse these covert substances.
Kush, West Africa’s synthetic apocalypse: Originating in Sierra Leone and Liberia, kush unrelated to the cannabis strain is a Frankenstein blend of cannabis, crushed prescription pills, industrial chemicals (like formaldehyde), and sometimes ground human bones, a macabre addition users believe enhances potency. Highly addictive, it induces brief euphoria followed by violent psychosis, organ damage, and death. In Accra’s slums, Kush sells for approximately as little as 5 GH¢ per hit. Psychiatric hospitals report a 400% rise in kush-related admissions since 2020. A 22-year-old, former mechanic in Jamestown, narrates how he sold his tools to fund his addiction. “After kush, I lost my job, my family… I’m a ghost,”
Codeine Cough Syrup, the “Lean” Epidemic: Popularized by Nigerian music and movies, lean, a mix of codeine cough syrup, soda, and candy has flooded Ghanaian markets. Bootleg syrups, often laced with tramadol or fentanyl, are peddled as “study aids” or party drugs. After Nigeria banned codeine syrup in 2018, traffickers shifted to Ghana and Benin. A 2022 UNODC report found 60% of codeine in West Africa is diverted illegally. Used as a recreational drug by many youths, these syrups contain opioids that cause drowsiness and addiction when consumed in large quantities. Tertiary students mix lean with energy drinks to pull all-nighters. “It’s cheaper than coffee,” says one 19-year-old, unaware of the addiction risk.
Synthetic Cannabinoids, “Black Mamba” and “Arizona”: European-style synthetic cannabinoids, sold as “Black Mamba” or “Arizona,” have infiltrated Ghana. Sprayed onto dried leaves, these lab-made chemicals mimic cannabis but trigger seizures, hallucinations, and violent behaviour. It is sold for 3 GH¢ per hit in Accra’s Agbogbloshie market, vendors market them as “legal highs.” Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi reports treating 15 to 20 synthetic drug overdoses weekly, mostly teens.
Benzodiazepines, “Valium Queens”: Prescription sedatives like diazepam (Valium) and alprazolam (Xanax) are increasingly abused, particularly by young women. Crushed into drinks or snorted, they offer a cheap escape from poverty and trauma. In Lagos, young women call themselves “Valium Queens,” using pills to cope with abusive relationships or unemployment. Ghana’s FDA notes a rise in benzodiazepines mixed with alcohol, leading to coma or death.
Methamphetamine, the “Akpeteshie” of the North: A powerful stimulant that has seen a rise in use, particularly in Nigeria and Ghana. It leads to extreme addiction, aggression, and serious health complications. While rare, methamphetamine (Ice or Crystal Meth) production is creeping into northern Ghana and Niger. Dubbed akpeteshie (after local gin), it sells for approximately 50 GH¢ per dose, targeting long-haul truckers and sex workers.
Locally Brewed Narcotics (“Gutter Water”): A dangerous cocktail of drugs, including heroin, cocaine, and household chemicals, mixed with beverages or injected. This homemade drug is extremely hazardous and unpredictable.
Shisha Mix (Flavoured Narcotic Hookah): Many young people unknowingly smoke shisha mixed with narcotic substances like cannabis, heroin, or synthetic drugs, leading to dependency.
High unemployment and poverty: Many young people, unable to find stable jobs, turn to drugs as an escape from economic hardship. The lack of opportunities makes them more vulnerable to addiction and criminal activities linked to the drug trade. With 60% of West Africa’s population under 25 and youth unemployment at 50%, drugs fill a void of hopelessness.
Weak law enforcement and border control: Despite efforts by governments to combat drug smuggling, porous borders and corruption allow traffickers to flood West Africa with illicit substances. Local law enforcement often struggles to keep up with sophisticated drug cartels.
Peer pressure and social media influence: With the rise of social media, drug use is being glamorised by influencers, celebrities, and even musicians. Many young people are lured into substance abuse through peer pressure and the desire to fit in.
Lack of awareness and mental health support: Many drug users do not fully understand the dangers of substance abuse. Additionally, mental health services in the region are limited, making it difficult for addicts to seek professional help.
Accessibility and low cost of drugs: Illicit drugs have become more affordable and accessible, with substances like kush, tramadol, and Arizona sold cheaply on the streets. This makes them attractive to teenagers and low-income individuals. Digital drug markets like Instagram and WhatsApp groups covertly advertise “energy boosters” or “stress relievers,” masking illicit sales.
The influence of drug cartels and smuggling routes: West Africa’s strategic location makes it a key point for drug trafficking between Latin America, Europe, and Asia. Cartels use local communities as transit points, leading to widespread availability of illicit drugs.
The way forward: To address this growing menace, governments must strengthen drug laws and increase surveillance at borders. Invest in forensic science, is critical in Ghana’s fight against illicit drugs. By improving drug detection, aiding law enforcement, supporting legal prosecutions, and contributing to public health measures, forensics can help mitigate the growing drug crisis. Deliberate investment in forensic capabilities, with strong policies and regional cooperation, is crucial for long-term success. Collaboration with international drug agencies is also key in dismantling trafficking networks. Public awareness campaigns should educate youth on the dangers of drug abuse, while rehabilitation centres must be expanded to provide proper treatment for addicts.
Conclusion: The drug crisis in Ghana and the subregion is no longer just about tramadol, it is a hydra-headed monster feeding on despair, innovation, and neglect. The rise of Kush, Arizona, Ice, and other dangerous substances calls for urgent intervention. Without immediate action, Ghana and the region risk losing an entire generation to drug addiction, crime, and mental health crises. The fight against drug abuse requires collective effort from governments, communities, and individuals to ensure a healthier and safer society.
“The greatest drug dealers are not on the streets, but in the halls of power where policies are shaped for profit, not for the people.” Chris Hedges
