Final-year Development Communication students at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) have initiated a campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of modern substance abuse.

The campaign started with a two-day symposium held from May 8 to 9, 2025.

The event, themed “Modern Substance Abuse: the Silent Epidemic among University Students”, was designed to educate university students and young people about the causes, risks, and consequences of modern substance abuse.

The symposium featured a keynote address by the Deputy Regional Commander of the Narcotics Control Commission in the Greater Accra Region, Hakeem Osofo Rees.

He defined modern substance abuse as the misuse of a wide range of substances, from illicit drugs and synthetic substances to alcohol and prescription medications.

He warned of the rising trends among Ghanaian youth, saying this was mainly the result of mental health challenges, social pressures, and environmental factors.

“The effects are devastating,” Mr. Rees stated. “Young people are losing their ambitions, facing imprisonment, suffering from stigma, and in some cases, dying from substance-related accidents and overdoses.”

The programme also outlined the socio-economic burden substance abuse places on families and the nation, as well as the alarming emergence of synthetic drugs and the misuse of prescription pills among students.

Project Coordinator and Development Communication lecturer, Madam Sandra Yeboah Nyarko, praised the students for using their academic knowledge to address real societal issues.

“This project is a practical demonstration of development communication in action,” she said. “It has not only increased awareness and understanding but also encouraged help-seeking behaviour, reduced stigma, and highlighted ways to prevent substance abuse.”

The campaign included interactive sessions, testimonies, and educational displays aimed at equipping participants with the knowledge to make informed decisions and advocate against drug abuse within their communities.

Mrs Yeboah emphasised that the initiative reflects UPSA’s continued commitment to empowering students to become agents of change and highlights the critical role of communication in promoting public health and youth development in Ghana.