Key Takeaways
- HIV prevalence among people who use drugs in the Ashanti Region stands at 6.6%, significantly higher than the national prevalence rate of 1.4%.
- Research by the University of Ghana School of Public Health in 2025 estimated that 82,500 people use drugs in Ghana, with 16,300 of them residing in the Ashanti Region.
- The NACOC Director-General has urged young people to avoid drug abuse, citing the devastating consequences of substance misuse on individuals and communities.
The Director-General of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), Major General Maxwell Obuba Mantey, has sounded the alarm over the alarming HIV prevalence among people who use drugs in the Ashanti Region. According to him, the HIV prevalence rate in the region stands at 6.6%, a staggering 4.7 percentage points higher than the national average of 1.4%.
The worrying trend has been attributed to the widespread use of illicit substances, including heroin, cocaine, tramadol, and methamphetamine. Research conducted by the University of Ghana School of Public Health in 2025 estimated that 82,500 people use drugs in Ghana, with 16,300 of them residing in the Ashanti Region.
Background & Context
The issue of substance abuse has been a persistent concern in Ghana, with the country facing a significant challenge in addressing the health and social consequences of drug misuse. The NACOC has been at the forefront of efforts to combat the scourge, working closely with various stakeholders to prevent, treat, and rehabilitate individuals affected by substance use disorders.
However, the scale of the problem continues to grow, with more young people falling prey to the dangers of substance abuse. The NACOC Director-General has emphasized the need for stronger interventions to address the issue, including prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation efforts.
Key Findings
Research conducted by the University of Ghana School of Public Health in 2025 has provided valuable insights into the scope of the problem. The study estimated that 10% of people who use drugs begin before the age of 15, while 54% start before the age of 19. These figures underscore the need for targeted interventions aimed at preventing substance abuse among young people.
The study also revealed that 88.5% of those who received treatment for substance use disorders at 30 treatment centers across the country were aged between 20 and 44 years. This highlights the critical need for age-specific interventions to address the issue.
Broader Implications
The consequences of substance abuse are far-reaching and devastating. The NACOC Director-General has warned that persistent drug abuse can lead to decay in the ghettos and even imprisonment. He has appealed to young people to avoid drug abuse, drawing on personal experiences of friends whose prospects have been affected by substance use.
The issue of substance abuse is a complex one, requiring a multifaceted approach to address its root causes and consequences. The NACOC has been working closely with various stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society organizations, and the private sector, to develop and implement effective strategies to combat the scourge.
Market Impact
The issue of substance abuse has significant implications for the country's health sector, economy, and social fabric. The NACOC has estimated that the cost of substance abuse to the Ghanaian economy is substantial, with the sector placing a significant burden on the health and educational systems.
The Director-General has emphasized the need for a robust national response to address the issue, including increased funding for prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation efforts. He has also called for greater collaboration among stakeholders to develop and implement effective strategies to combat substance abuse.
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