Government urged to establish more rehabilitation centers to tackle rising drug addiction – Narcotics Control
The government of Ghana is being called upon to expand rehabilitation facilities to address the increasing cases of drug addiction in the country, the Narcotics Control Commission has stated.
Mr. Francis Opoku Amoah, Public Affairs and International Relations Officer of the Commission, emphasized the need for more state-run facilities during an interview on Kessben FM’s flagship morning show, Kessben Maakye.
While acknowledging the existence of some government rehabilitation centers such as Ankaful, Pantang, Accra Psychiatric Hospital, and a facility at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Mr. Opoku Amoah noted that these are insufficient to meet demand. “Most of these rehabs are owned by private individuals, and they tend to increase prices at their own will,” he said, explaining that this contributes to the high cost of rehabilitation in the country.
He described drug addiction as a public health issue that should be treated with the same urgency as any other health challenge. Mr. Opoku Amoah further urged Ghanaians to avoid labeling drug addicts as criminals, stressing that they are ordinary citizens suffering from a health condition who need support and treatment.
