Catholic Bishops urge stronger action against tramadol, marijuana abuse

The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference has urged for more robust action against the widespread use and misuse of tramadol, marijuana, and other readily accessible drugs in the country. These substances are causing significant harm to Ghana's youth, necessitating greater focus in the national response to drug trafficking and abuse.

The Bishops argue that efforts to combat drugs should not be limited to targeting high-profile narcotics such as cocaine, but must also address drugs that are easily obtainable in communities. Speaking to Citi News, Most Rev. Matthew Gyamfi, President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, emphasized the urgent need to act on the growing use of tramadol, marijuana, and other drugs among young people.

He noted that in villages and towns, young men and women have increasingly turned to these substances, which are destroying many lives. He stressed that the national response must acknowledge the scale of abuse involving substances that are readily available to young people. "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 stated.

Rev. Gyamfi called for stronger laws and enforcement measures to curb the importation and illegal sale of such substances. "They should make laws to ban the importation of these drugs and ensure that they are cleared away from the shelves," he added. The Bishops' plea is part of their broader concerns about the escalating drug crisis and its impact on young people and communities nationwide.

They are advocating for enhanced enforcement against the illegal supply of drugs, along with expanded efforts to prevent substance abuse among the youth.