Mental health professionals in the Upper East Region have raised concern over increasing substance abuse cases among young people, warning that addiction is fueling crime, suicide attempts and social instability in communities.
Speaking on Dreamz FM’s “Breakfast Today” program to mark Mental Health Awareness Month, Regional Mental Health Coordinator Gifty Aboagyewaa Polycarp and Registered Mental Nurse Prince Kofi Yeboah said communities must take urgent action to address the growing challenge.
Yeboah said substance abuse cases, particularly involving marijuana, tramadol and cocaine, continue to rise across the region, especially in the Bongo district.
“If we do not take drastic measures to address this, then we are heading toward doom,” he said.
According to him, some people involved in robbery and violent crimes commit those offenses to finance their addiction.
“Most of the people who are into robbery are not doing it because they want to build mansions,” Yeboah said. “Some are doing it because they need money to buy substances.”
He identified Bongo Soe as one of the areas heavily affected by substance abuse, adding that the problem has contributed to robberies and insecurity in the area.
Yeboah also disclosed that some young people who travel to southern Ghana for menial jobs return home with mental health conditions linked to drug abuse.
The mental health nurse further revealed that relationship problems and broken hearts are becoming major causes of depression and suicide attempts.
“For the women who come with attempted suicide cases, it is usually about broken hearts,” he said.
He recounted a case involving a prominent individual who attempted suicide because of relationship difficulties.
“He really wanted to end it,” Yeboah said.
The two health professionals called on chiefs, law enforcement agencies, families and community leaders to support efforts aimed at reducing substance abuse and improving mental healthcare.
The discussion formed part of activities marking May as Mental Health Awareness Month, also known as “Purple Month.”
