The Member of Parliament for Asunafo North, Haruna Mohammed, has called for the adoption of drastic measures to combat the escalating drug abuse crisis among Ghanaian youth.
Delivering a statement on the floor of Parliament to mark the 2025 edition of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (World Drug Day), the MP warned of a growing public health emergency driven by substance misuse and a lack of adequate rehabilitation facilities.
The lawmaker cited alarming statistics, revealing that approximately 1.25 million Ghanaians are struggling with drug-related problems, with substances such as marijuana, tramadol, codeine, and synthetic opioids dominating the crisis, saying; “the situation is dire”.
Hon Mohammed referenced studies conducted by the Ghana Health Service and the Mental Health Authority, which highlight a surge in substance-induced mental disorders among people aged 20–34, and even children as young as 10 years old.
Equally troubling is the rise of a dangerous drug trend on social media known as “Wonim Red?” or “Red 225”, which involves the abuse of a potent and unapproved drug combination, tapentadol and carisoprodol, sold under the street name Super Royal-225.
The drug, according to Hon. Mohammed, has been linked to life-threatening side effects including seizures, respiratory failure, and even death.
“Social media videos show schoolchildren in uniform abusing substances. This is not just a health issue it is a national security threat,” he said.
The MP criticized the country’s insufficient rehabilitation infrastructure, noting that major psychiatric hospitals such as Pantang, Accra, and Ankaful are overstretched and under-resourced.
Access to detoxification and counseling services, particularly outside the capital, remains limited.
Hon Mohammed proposed the establishment of regional rehabilitation centres equipped with trained personnel and comprehensive recovery services and enhanced public awareness campaigns, as well as tighter regulation of harmful substances in collaboration with the Narcotics Control Commission, Food and Drugs Authority, and cybersecurity agencies as measures to curb the crisis
Additionally, the MP emphasized the need for data-driven policymaking to guide interventions, pointing to international best practices such as Portugal’s treatment-focused approach as a model worth exploring.
“This is a call to action. We must act now to protect the future of our youth and our nation, let us move beyond rhetoric and put in place the systems that save lives”, he stated.
World Drug Day, commemorated annually on June 26, aims to strengthen global action and cooperation toward a drug-free world. This year’s observance comes amid mounting concerns that Ghana is facing a youth drug crisis that could spiral further without decisive state intervention.
