The Member of Parliament for Adansi-Asokwa, Hon. Godwin Animli Dorgbadzi-Dorani, has issued a terse warning about the escalating opioid abuse in Ghana, labelling it a ‘silent epidemic’ with dire consequences for the nation’s future.
Citing the 2024 World Drug Report, the MP revealed alarming statistics indicating a significant surge in opioid misuse within the country. He stated that while the global prevalence of opioid abuse stands at 1.15% and Africa’s at 1.26%, Ghana has witnessed a disturbing increase exceeding 10%. This places opioids as the third most abused substance in Ghana, following cannabis and cocaine, signalling a dangerous shift in drug consumption patterns among young people that is overwhelming families and communities.
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In a powerful statement delivered on the floor of Parliament on Thursday, June 26, to mark the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Hon. Dorgbadzi drew attention to the popular youth street term ‘Wonim red?”, which refers to Red 225, a pharmaceutical opioid initially intended for pain relief but now widely misused.
He lamented, “What was created to relieve pain has become a source of pain. The abuse of Red 225 is ravaging our ghettos, hijacking the minds of our young people, and destroying the very human capital we rely on for the future.”
Growing opioid abuse
The MP referenced a recent eye-opening TV3 documentary, ‘Hooked on Red,’ which he asserted exposed the grim realities of youth addiction in Ghana. He expressed his deep concern, stating, “I am more than convinced that our human resources are under siege. If care is not taken, the opioid crisis will bring the future of this nation to a standstill.”
Urging immediate and collective action, Hon. Dorgbadzi-Dorani implored his fellow legislators to prioritise this critical issue. He further appealed to all well-meaning Ghanaians, including the media, religious leaders, and traditional authorities, to collaborate with the Ministry for Youth Development and Empowerment in support of the “Red Means Stop” campaign.
He explained that the campaign is strategically designed to curb the abuse of pharmaceutical opioids and other hard drugs and offer hope and alternative pathways to young people through comprehensive education, proactive prevention strategies, and accessible recovery programs.
“Mr. Speaker, we must act now. If we fail to break the chains of drug abuse, we will have chained our future,” he stressed with urgency, with his powerful remarks meeting with resounding applause and pledges of support from MPs across the political spectrum.
The International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, also known as World Drug Day, is observed annually on June 26th. It’s a United Nations International Day aimed at bolstering global action and cooperation to combat drug abuse and the illegal drug trade.
Hon. Dorgbadzi-Dorani described the 2025 theme, ‘Breaking the Chains: Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery’ as very engaging, stressing that all organised crime significantly fuels the illicit drug trade, leading to severe consequences for individuals and communities.
By Osumanu Al-Hassan/thenewsbulletin24.com