ACCRA, GHANA — Concerns are intensifying across Ghana over the escalating addiction to the street drug kush, prompting health experts and community advocates to demand greater public awareness and robust support for prevention and treatment as the nation observes World Drug Day.
The human toll of the crisis is starkly illustrated by individuals like Asante, whose last name is being withheld to protect him from the severe social stigma surrounding substance abuse. Asante has battled addiction for nearly two decades, a struggle that began when a cousin introduced him to the drug at age 16.
The impact on his life was profound. Instead of completing a standard four-year university program, Asante spent 17 years earning his degree as his academic performance declined. He also suffers from bipolar disorder, a mental health condition he notes is frequently triggered by smoking kush. In a heartbreaking revelation, Asante shared that he was smoking the drug during his late father’s funeral, despite having previously written a tribute promising to quit.
According to the United Nations, cannabis is the most commonly used illicit substance in the country. Estimates indicate that approximately 1.8 million people in Ghana—roughly 6% of the population aged 15 to 64—used cannabis in 2021.
Health experts warn that the consequences of prolonged kush abuse are severe. Patients frequently experience hallucinations, delusions, and psychotic behaviors, such as talking to themselves. Long-term users often completely neglect their personal hygiene.
To combat these effects, local rehabilitation centers utilize a comprehensive approach combining therapy, medical supervision, skills training, and community reintegration to minimize the risk of relapse. However, staff members at these facilities note that deep-rooted stigma often deters individuals from seeking help until their conditions become critical.
This stigma disproportionately affects women. While health professionals emphasize that women are equally impacted by addiction, the harsh societal judgment they face makes it incredibly difficult for them to speak out and access necessary care.
In response to the crisis, government officials state they are ramping up efforts to crack down on drug trafficking networks. Nevertheless, advocates argue that supply-side enforcement is not enough and that more must be done to support users directly.
Campaigners point out that rehabilitation centers are often prohibitively expensive, geographically inaccessible, or entirely unavailable in many communities across the country. They are urging increased investment in facilities nationwide to provide thousands of young people with a viable path back to productive lives.
For those in recovery, the journey is ongoing. Asante and many others fighting addiction view recovery as a daily struggle, taking it one step and one day at a time. Despite the challenges, they remain committed to their sobriety, hoping their stories will encourage others to seek help before it is too late.
