A psychiatrist, Dr. Ruth Owusu Antwi, has revealed her facility treated a 13-year-old patient for substance abuse who began using drugs in Primary Three. This case highlights the growing threat of drug addiction among children in Ghana. The young boy became addicted after repeatedly watching older people smoke near his school, demonstrating how early exposure can quickly develop into addiction.
The child's curiosity led him to collect and use discarded drug remnants after older individuals smoked behind his classroom. What started as experimentation soon turned into addiction due to the drug's effects, leading to psychiatric treatment. This incident reflects a troubling pattern of younger individuals becoming exposed to drugs in Ghana.
This situation fits into Ghana's broader substance abuse crisis, which increasingly affects young people. Dr. Owusu Antwi's facility's 2025 Annual Performance Review showed that patients aged 20 to 49, largely the schooling-to-working age group, constituted the majority of those treated for mental health conditions, including substance use disorders. This demographic trend indicates a significant societal challenge.
Dr. Owusu Antwi stated, "The youngest patient started using drugs. In fact, he was recently on the ward. He started using drugs at Class Three. That's Primary Three." She further explained, "He would look at older people come and hide behind his classroom and smoke. And out of curiosity, when they had left, he'd go and pick the pieces." This direct observation underscores the environmental factors contributing to early drug use.
The implications are severe for Ghana's public health and future workforce. The increasing accessibility of illicit substances, now often concealed in popular food and drink items like sobolo, brownies, and gummies, makes detection harder and expands the reach of drug traffickers beyond traditional drug ghettos. Decision-makers must address this evolving threat to protect the nation's youth.
Authorities will need to implement more robust preventive measures and educational campaigns targeting schools and communities. The disguised nature of these substances demands innovative strategies for identification and intervention. Furthermore, increased funding for mental health services and rehabilitation programs for young addicts will be crucial. The long-term economic impact of a generation affected by substance abuse could be substantial, affecting productivity and healthcare costs. This trend also puts pressure on families and social support systems, requiring a multi-faceted national response to mitigate the crisis.