Ghana, on the 26th of June 2025, joined the global community in commemorating the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, designated by the United Nations General Assembly.

The purpose of the day is to strengthen global cooperation in combating drug-related problems and to promote public health and preventative measures instead of punitive measures.

This year's campaign aims to raise awareness about the importance of treating people who use drugs with respect and empathy.

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It is also aimed at providing evidence-based, voluntary services for all; offering alternatives to
punishment; prioritising prevention; and leading with compassion.

The 2025 awareness Day is held on the theme "Breaking the Chains: Prevention, Treatment and Recovery for all".

Haruna Mohammed, the Member of Parliament (MP) for the Asunafo North Constituency in the Ahafo region, in a statement on the floor of Parliament, said the situation in Ghana is very severe and needs urgent attention.

Mr Speaker, he stated, the global drug crisis affects millions, with the United Nations Office on Drugs and
Crime (UNODC) reporting that nearly 200 million people use illicit drugs worldwide, including cannabis, cocaine, opiates, and synthetic substances.

Less than one-fifth of those affected receive adequate treatment. In Ghana, the situation is dire.

The MP indicated that, according to a 2023 study by the Ghana Health Service and the Mental Health Authority, approximately 1.25 million Ghanaians grapple with drug-related issues, with marijuana, tramadol, codeine, and synthetic opioids being the most prevalent.

He noted that a 2024 study by the Department of Children, Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, revealed that 7% of adolescents aged 10–17 reported lifetime alcohol use, with increasing experimentation with substances like tramadol.

Shockingly, he added, the Mental Health Authority noted in 2023 that 3,765 cases of mental disorders were linked to alcohol and 5,554 to other psychoactive substances, predominantly affecting the 20-34 age group, with children as young as 10-14 presenting substance-related conditions.

"Mr Speaker, a disturbing social media trend known as 'Wonim Red' or 'Red 225' has emerged, linked to the abuse of an unlicensed combination of tapentadol and carisoprodol, known as Super Royal-225. This dangerous substance poses severe risks, including seizures, respiratory distress, and death," Mr Haruna Mohammed cautioned.

He indicated that videos of youth, some in school uniforms, engaging in substance use have proliferated on social media, normalising this perilous behaviour and amplifying the crisis.

The Asunafo North legislator emphasised that Ghana's current rehabilitation infrastructure is woefully inadequate.

He noted that facilities like Pantang Hospital, Accra Psychiatric Hospital, and Ankaful Psychiatric Hospital are overstretched, with limited capacity to meet the growing demand for counselling, detoxification, and
rehabilitation.

Mr Haruna Mohammed reiterated that access to residential rehabilitation, particularly in Accra and other regions, remains severely constrained.

The lawmaker proposed the following urgent measures:

1. Establishment of Regional Rehabilitation Centres: The creation of well-funded, state-of-the-art
   rehabilitation centres in every region, staffed with trained professionals to provide
   comprehensive care, including detoxification, counselling, and reintegration programmes.
2. Strengthened Public Awareness Campaigns: Intensify nationwide campaigns through
   traditional media, community outreach, and social media to educate the public on the dangers of substance abuse.
3. Regulation and Monitoring of Harmful Substances and Trends: Collaborate with the
   Narcotics Control Commission (NAcOC), Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), and cybersecurity
   agencies to regulate the sale of prescription drugs like tramadol and monitor social media
   platforms to curb the spread of harmful trends.
4. Investment in Data-Driven Policies: Leverage research and data collection, as emphasised by this year's theme, to inform targeted interventions, drawing inspiration from global successes
   like Portugal's model of prioritising treatment over punishment.