The Upper East Regional Director of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), Mr. Abel Ndego, has expressed deep concern over the alarming rise in drug and alcohol abuse among young people, describing it as a major threat to public health and national development.
Speaking in a documentary titled “Swallowed by Drugs”, Mr. Ndego reminded the public of the FDA’s mandate under the Public Health Act 851 of 2012 to protect health and safety by regulating products that enter, exit, or are manufactured within the country. He stressed that many of the substances abused by the youth are often unregistered and unsafe.
“Most of the time, from the information we gather, we realize that the majority of substances being abused are not registered by the FDA. A typical example is tramadol,” he revealed.
He explained that in recent years, Ghana witnessed a surge in tramadol misuse, prompting stricter control measures. The FDA now classifies tramadol as a prescription-only drug, which must be dispensed strictly under the endorsement of a licensed medical officer.
“Tramadol is not a bad drug. It is a very effective pain reliever, especially after surgery. But the misuse and abuse of it is what has landed us in this situation,” Mr. Ndego explained.
Turning his attention to tobacco products, including shisha, the FDA Director debunked myths that flavored or filtered forms are less harmful.
“One hour of shisha smoking is equivalent to smoking between 100 and 200 sticks of cigarettes. That is the reality,” he cautioned.
He added that tobacco smoke contains more than 3,000 harmful chemicals, including formaldehyde and carcinogens, which expose both smokers and non-smokers to severe health risks.
Mr. Ndego reminded the public that smoking in public is illegal in Ghana and encouraged citizens to report offenders.
“When it comes to smoking, you can even effect a citizen’s arrest. It is a crime to smoke in public places, including your own car, once the engine is on because it becomes a public space,” he emphasized.
On alcohol regulation, Mr. Ndego noted that although the state has not banned alcohol consumption, strict measures are in place to limit youth exposure. Alcohol cannot be sold to anyone under 18, and advertisements are banned on electronic media before 8 p.m.
He also condemned the use of celebrities in alcohol promotions, arguing that it sends dangerous signals to impressionable youth.
“Unfortunately, many celebrities have been used to advertise alcoholic beverages. And because they are idols to the youth, it creates the impression that alcohol is a booster to success. That is misleading,” he lamented.
Mr. Ndego highlighted the importance of joint efforts in fighting substance abuse, stressing that no single institution can solve the problem alone.
“This issue is multifaceted, and we must use a multilateral approach. No agency is an island,” he said, calling for stronger partnerships with the police, customs, health institutions, schools, and traditional leaders.
He revealed that the FDA is even engaging traditional authorities to consider alternatives to tobacco in cultural practices such as marriage rites.
While acknowledging that substance abuse often leads to crime, Mr. Ndego argued that rehabilitation should be prioritized over imprisonment for addicts.
“For those who are hooked, we should have a streamlined process that identifies them, puts them through rehabilitation, and reintegrates them into society,” he proposed.
The FDA Director concluded by stressing the importance of early education in addressing the menace.
“They say catch them young. At the basic level, children must be taught to check expiry dates, look out for FDA registration, and understand the dangers of drugs, alcohol, and tobacco. That way, health consciousness becomes second nature as they grow,” he said.
Mr. Ndego reaffirmed the FDA’s commitment to enforcing regulations, carrying out market surveillance, and intensifying public education to protect the youth, the future of the nation, from the dangers of substance abuse.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com