Pubdate: Mon, 12 Jul 2004
Source: Ghanaian Chronicle (Ghana)
Copyright: 2004 Ghanaian Chronicle
Contact:  http://www.ghanaian-chronicle.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2455

CURBING DRUG ADDICTION

THE death of Kiki Gyan, one of Ghana's most talented musicians recently, 
has once again underscored the need for proper drug rehabilitation centers 
to take care of the growing menace of drug addiction in the country.

Had Kiki had the benefit of a proper drug rehabilitation regime, perhaps he 
would have still been around today to enhance our music with his 
scintillating performances.

Although one hesitates to admit that he was killed because of a drug 
overdose, those who knew his prolonged battle with drug addiction will tell 
you differently. The fact remains that no proper drug rehabilitation center 
exists in this country to take care of the thousands upon thousands of our 
youth who have fallen prey to hard drugs like cocaine, heroin and marijuana.

But to be truthful, these so-called hard drugs do not constitute the only 
problem facing our society as far as drug addiction is concerned. As a 
matter of fact, alcoholism poses an even harder problem to solve since 
alcohol is a socially and legally accepted drug and obtainable all over the 
country.

Alcoholism, which is simply addiction to alcohol, poses such a threat to 
our national well-being that should statistics be made available, we are 
certain that it would be one of the most debilitating factors in our body 
politic. The amount of man-hours lost to economic activities due to those 
who don't report to work due to drunkenness or hang-overs must surely be 
great considering the number of Ghanaians who drink themselves stupid.

The local distilled gin, commonly called "akpeteshie" is imbibed with much 
guesto by many of our working classes and even those higher on the social 
structure. Indeed one of the reasons for careless driving and the 
unnecessary accidents on our roads and highways can be put to the drinking 
of hard liquor by irresponsible drivers. Despite a law banning the sale of 
hard liquor at lorry parks, a visit to any lorry park will show that liquor 
bars exist almost in all of them.

This is not good enough. Combined with addiction to tobacco, alcoholism 
poses a serious health threat to this country, apart from the other 
consequences that emanate out of addiction. We as a country that is 
striving to develop into a middle-level income earning status by the next 
two decades, cannot afford to gloss over such things and make enough 
meaningful progress in our quest to uplift ourselves from poverty.

According to Mr. Frank A. Boateng, President of the Pharmaceutical Society 
of Ghana (PSG) there was a direct linkage between drugs and the increased 
crime wave and that 50% of crime and violence were committed by drug addicts.

He noted that drug abuse undermined the government's economic activities 
and corrupted legitimate business. It was also responsible for lost wages, 
broken families and deteriorating communities. The President of the PSG is 
in a unique position to know about these issues and The Chronicle is happy 
that he has seen the need to make this problem known to the larger society.

We are pleased that he has also called for proper rehabilitation centers to 
be established as effective ways to combat drug addiction. We know that the 
problem of drug addiction has now spread to almost all the major population 
centers of our country. From Accra to Aflao, Takoradi to Tamale, the 
problem is daily growing and if firm steps are not taken, we shall soon be 
engulfed by repercussions, which we may find very hard to contain.

The facilities existing now, namely treatment at the various psychiatric 
hospitals - Accra, Pantan and Ankaful - are grossly inadequate to really 
solve or even make a dent on the growing problem. The Catholic Remar NGO's 
facilities don't seem to be of any effect whatsoever since there is a large 
relapse rate of those who seek relief there.

The Chronicle believes this is time for the Ministry of Health, the 
Department of Social Welfare and other stakeholders to compel Parliament to 
debate the problem and come out with a comprehensive solution to the 
dangerous levels drug addiction is taking this country.

We owe it to ourselves to protect the vulnerable in our society and to make 
sure that drugs of any sort don't defile the minds of our youth.

Something must be done soon.
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