Catholic Bishops Demand Tougher Action Against Tramadol and Marijuana Abuse
The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference is urging a comprehensive overhaul of the nation's drug abuse strategy, advocating for stronger measures against readily accessible substances like tramadol and marijuana. They highlight the devastating impact these drugs have on the youth, calling for a broader national response beyond high-profile narcotics to include easily obtained substances.
The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference has issued a strong call for the authorities to implement more robust measures in addressing the pervasive use and abuse of tramadol, marijuana, and other readily accessible drugs throughout the country. The Bishops emphasize that the widespread abuse of these substances is inflicting severe damage on the nation’s youth, necessitating greater attention as an integral part of Ghana’s national strategy against drug trafficking and abuse.
They contend that the fight against drugs should not be exclusively concentrated on cocaine and other high-profile narcotics. Instead, it must also encompass substances that are easily obtained within communities. Most Rev. Matthew Gyamfi, President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, conveyed to Citi News and Citi FM that the escalating use of tramadol, marijuana, “Red,” and similar drugs among young people demands immediate and decisive action. He stated, “In our villages and towns, we know the young men and women have taken to drugs—tramadol, ‘Red’, marijuana—and this is destroying many, many young men and women.”
Most Rev. Gyamfi underscored that the national response must acknowledge the sheer scale of abuse involving substances that are readily available to young individuals. He elaborated, “You should not concentrate only on drugs like cocaine, which is used, but not as massively as marijuana, tramadol, ‘Red’ and other similar drugs that are readily available on the shelves, and young people just go for it.” He specifically called for the enactment of stronger laws and intensified enforcement mechanisms to restrict the importation and illegal sale of such substances. He urged, “They should make laws to ban the importation of these drugs and ensure that they are cleared away from the shelves.”
The Bishops’ appeal is part of their wider concerns regarding the escalating drug menace and its profound implications for young people and communities nationwide. They are pressing authorities to bolster enforcement efforts against the illicit supply of drugs while simultaneously expanding initiatives aimed at preventing substance abuse among the youth and addressing the broader social consequences of this critical issue.