We Need a More Deliberate National Approach to Deal with Substance Abuse- Veep

The Vice President of Ghana, Prof Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, says the country must be deliberate in clamping down on substance abuse among the youth.

Acknowledging the extensive campaigns to tackle drug and substance abuse with increasing attention to mental health awareness, she suggested a rigorous public education on the devastating consequences of drug abuse.

Speaking during a visit to the Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment on January 14, 2026, she said the entry points for these drugs must be given much attention.

In her remarks, she acknowledged the immense potential of Ghana’s youth, especially when given the necessary resources, encouraging the Ministry to continue seeing partnership as a strength, not as competition, and to always put the national interest first.

“We need collaboration across different parts of the government, because young people are present in every sector. I also stressed that youth empowerment must be gender inclusive. We must also pay attention to young people outside the formal school system.”

The veep also encouraged the Ministry to strengthen impact tracking and measurement, so that outcomes can be clearly assessed and improved over time.

“I also highlighted the need to focus on growing Ghana’s economy in a way that expands the national pie, rather than only debating percentages, because sustainable youth development depends on stronger national productivity and increased fiscal space,” she reported in a Facebook post.

Story by Hajara Fuseini

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