Sissala East MP urges adolescence to scale back drug use as problem grows within the house – Life Pulse Daily

Introduction

In a recent plea to the youth of Sissala East Constituency, Member of Parliament Mohammed Issah Bataglia has called for an urgent end to rising drug abuse among adolescents. The issue, he warns, threatens not only individual futures but the safety and development of the entire community. With data from the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) showing alarming rates of substance abuse—especially among school-aged teens—the situation demands immediate, coordinated action.

This article explores the scope of the drug abuse problem in the Sissala East region and beyond, examines its root causes, and offers practical guidance for parents, educators, and community leaders on how to support young people in making healthier choices. By combining factual reporting with actionable advice, we aim to empower stakeholders with the knowledge and tools needed to turn the tide against this growing crisis.

Key Points

Rising Drug Abuse Among Ghanaian Youth

Recent statistics from NACOC reveal that approximately 50,000 people in Ghana’s Northern Region are involved in substance abuse, with 35,000 being school-going adolescents. In the Upper West Region and specifically the Sissala East Constituency, similar patterns are emerging, with tramadol, opioids, and so-called “red” drugs commonly misused.

Community and Government Response

MP Bataglia has initiated awareness campaigns in collaboration with local police and security agencies. These efforts aim to educate youth about the dangers of drug use and to foster community-wide prevention strategies.

Underlying Causes

Unemployment and lack of structured activities are key drivers of drug experimentation among teens. The MP emphasized that idle time increases vulnerability to substance abuse, especially in border areas close to regions experiencing instability.

Prevention Through Education and Skills Training

The government’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) program is highlighted as a critical intervention to keep youth engaged and provide alternative pathways to success.

Call to Action

Stakeholders—including parents, schools, religious groups, and local authorities—are urged to unite in efforts to combat drug abuse and support at-risk youth.

Background

The issue of drug abuse in Ghana, particularly among adolescents, is not new, but its scale and impact have intensified in recent years. The Sissala East Constituency, located in the Upper West Region, shares a border with Burkina Faso—a country facing ongoing security challenges due to insurgency. This geographical proximity increases the risk of drug trafficking and the exposure of vulnerable youth to harmful substances.

Tramadol, a prescription painkiller often misused for its euphoric effects, has become a common drug of abuse among teens. Combined with other opioids and unregulated substances, it poses serious health risks, including addiction, mental health deterioration, and impaired cognitive development.

The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has repeatedly raised alarms about the growing prevalence of drug use in schools and communities. Their data underscores the need for targeted interventions that go beyond law enforcement to include education, rehabilitation, and economic empowerment.

Analysis

The Scope of the Problem

The statistics cited by MP Bataglia are more than just numbers—they represent real lives at risk. With 70% of those abusing drugs in the Northern Region being school-going adolescents, the long-term implications for education, public health, and economic development are severe. Early drug use is linked to poor academic performance, school dropout, and increased likelihood of criminal behavior.

Why Adolescents Are Vulnerable

Adolescence is a critical developmental stage characterized by identity formation, peer influence, and a desire for independence. These traits, while normal, can make teens more susceptible to experimenting with drugs, especially when they lack positive role models, structured activities, or clear future prospects.

In rural areas like Sissala East, limited access to quality education, recreational facilities, and job opportunities further exacerbates the problem. When teens see few viable paths to success, they may turn to drugs as a form of escape or social bonding.

The Role of Unemployment and Idleness

MP Bataglia correctly identifies unemployment as a contributing factor. Without meaningful work or training, many young people face long periods of idleness, which can lead to boredom, frustration, and risky behaviors. The MP’s emphasis on the TVET program is strategic: by equipping youth with marketable skills, the initiative not only provides economic opportunity but also instills a sense of purpose and self-worth.

Security Implications

The proximity of Sissala East to conflict-affected areas in Burkina Faso adds a layer of complexity. Drug trafficking routes often overlap with other illicit activities, and communities with high levels of youth disengagement can become breeding grounds for recruitment by criminal or extremist groups. Addressing drug abuse is therefore not just a public health issue but also a matter of national security.

The Importance of Community-Led Solutions

While government action is essential, sustainable change requires grassroots involvement. Parents, teachers, religious leaders, and traditional authorities play a crucial role in shaping social norms and providing support networks for young people. Awareness campaigns, mentorship programs, and community monitoring systems can create an environment where drug use is not only discouraged but actively prevented.

Practical Advice

For Parents and Guardians

• Open Communication: Establish trust by talking openly with teens about the dangers of drug use. Avoid judgmental language and focus on listening.
• Monitor Activities: Know your child’s friends, routines, and online behavior. Encourage participation in sports, arts, or community groups.
• Set Clear Expectations: Establish house rules about substance use and enforce them consistently with love and understanding.
• Seek Help Early: If you suspect drug use, consult a counselor, health worker, or trusted community leader without delay.

For Educators and School Administrators

• Integrate Drug Education: Include age-appropriate drug prevention modules in the curriculum.
• Train Staff: Equip teachers and counselors to recognize signs of abuse and respond appropriately.
• Create Safe Spaces: Establish peer support groups and anonymous reporting systems for students.
• Partner with Experts: Invite NACOC, health professionals, and recovering individuals to speak at schools.

For Community Leaders

• Organize Awareness Campaigns: Host town halls, radio discussions, and youth forums on drug prevention.
• Promote Alternatives: Support sports leagues, vocational training, and cultural activities for youth.
• Collaborate with Authorities: Work with police and NACOC to monitor hotspots and enforce laws without stigmatizing users.
• Support Rehabilitation: Advocate for accessible treatment and reintegration programs for those affected.

For Policymakers

• Expand TVET Access: Increase funding and outreach for skills training in rural areas.
• Strengthen Border Controls: Enhance monitoring of cross-border drug trafficking.
• Fund Prevention Programs: Allocate resources for school-based and community-led initiatives.
• Improve Data Collection: Support research to track trends and measure intervention effectiveness.

FAQ

Conclusion

The warning from Sissala East MP Mohammed Issah Bataglia is a timely and necessary call to action. Drug abuse among adolescents is a complex challenge that cannot be solved by any single entity. It requires a united front—families, schools, community leaders, and government agencies working together to protect the future of Ghana’s youth.

By combining awareness, education, economic opportunity, and compassionate support, communities can create environments where young people thrive without turning to harmful substances. The success of such efforts in Sissala East could serve as a model for other regions facing similar challenges.

Let this moment be the beginning of sustained, evidence-based action that prioritizes prevention, empowers youth, and builds resilient communities.

Sources

• Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) – Ghana
• Ministry of Education, Ghana – TVET Program Overview
• World Health Organization (WHO) – Adolescent Substance Use Guidelines
• UNODC Regional Office for West and Central Africa
• Life Pulse Daily – Interview with MP Mohammed Issah Bataglia
• Ghana Statistical Service – Youth Demographics and Employment Data