Deadly Doses II: JoyNews investigation uncovers disturbing shift in Ghana's growing drug crisis
JoyNews' Deadly Doses investigation, a year after its initial report, uncovered a disturbing shift in Ghana's drug crisis. Illicit substances are increasingly reaching schools, university campuses, and popular food and drinks consumed by young people. Traffickers are moving beyond open sales in drug ghettos like Thinker Island and Columbia, concealing marijuana, opioids, and other substances in products such as sobolo, brownies, and gummies. Government surveys cited in the documentary indicate that 41% of tertiary students are aware of drug use on their campuses, while 37% of senior high school students report the same in their schools.
Psychiatrists warn that treatment centers are receiving younger patients with substance-use disorders, some of whom began using drugs in primary school. Despite sustained raids by the Narcotics Control Commission and other security agencies, Thinker Island and Columbia remain active. Traffickers are also turning to online platforms and drug-infused consumables to evade detection. The Interior Minister says a Cabinet memorandum is being prepared as part of broader efforts to confront the threat, as the government considers mandatory drug testing for people seeking employment in the public service.
Quick Summary
A new investigation by JoyNews, "Deadly Doses II," reveals a concerning evolution in Ghana's drug crisis, a year after exposing drug ghettos.
Summary - read the full story for complete context.
Image: MyJoyOnline
GhanaFront aggregates news from trusted sources. Click to read the original article.
Keywords
Explore related tagsMore from MyJoyOnline
Related Stories
More from Health
Deadly Doses II: Ghana's drug problem has become a public health crisis, Criminologist says
Ghana's drug problem is undergoing a concerning transformation, making detection and control increasingly difficult for authorities.
1h ago•5 min read
Ghana in 'huge crisis' over addiction care as specialist shortage worsens - Dr Owusu-Antwi
Ghana is grappling with a deepening crisis in addiction care, as a critical shortage of specialized professionals threatens the nation's response to
1h ago•4 min read
NACOC urges public support in fight against illicit drug trafficking
Discover why authorities are emphasizing the crucial role of public information in the fight against illicit drug trafficking in Ghana.
2h ago•2 min read
'It's not just an inconvenience': We've underestimated the health impacts of heavy periods
Discover why heavy menstrual bleeding is more than just an inconvenience and how new research is changing our understanding of this common condition.
1d ago•4 min read
