Northern Ghana’s battle against the growing menace of substance abuse was energised on Thursday, May 29, 2025, as Savana Signatures convened a significant multi-stakeholder engagement at its Tamale headquarters, bringing together actors across sectors under the theme “From Awareness to Action, Strengthening Multi-Stakeholder Solutions for a Substance-Free Northern Ghana”.
Held at the Savana Signatures Office Complex, the engagement brought together key players from health, education, youth leadership, civil society, law enforcement, and the media to discuss coordinated solutions to rising drug abuse, particularly among young people in the region.
A powerful highlight of the day was the pledge of support from Sagnar-Naa Ambassador Yakubu Abdulai, Paramount Chief of the Sagnarigu Traditional Area. In his address, he acknowledged the growing challenge of drug abuse in communities and emphasised the critical role of traditional authorities in addressing it.
“We cannot afford to look away while our youth fall to this danger. As leaders, we have a duty to act. I commit my full support to this campaign,” the chief declared.
He added that substance abuse was not just a youth issue but a threat to the moral, religious, social, and economic fabric of the region.
“Islam abhors substance abuse, and therefore this practice is prohibited.” He added.
Three impressive presentations guided the dialogue:
Mr Adam Dokurugu, Head of Programs at Basic Needs Ghana, representing Executive Director Peter Yaro, spoke on “The Link Between Mental Health and Growing Substance Abuse in Northern Ghana.” He shed light on how unaddressed mental health issues often lead young people to substance use and called for stronger systems of psychological support at the community level.
Mr Murtala Issah, Senior Reporter with Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), delivered a compelling presentation on “The Interconnection of Terrorism, Violence, and Substance Abuse: A Growing Threat to Peace and Security in Northern Ghana”. He underscored how substance abuse is increasingly being exploited by extremist groups to destabilise communities, urging stakeholders to treat it not just as a health concern but as a matter of national security.
Mr Mohammed Fugu, Northern Regional Editor of the Daily Graphic, explored the media’s role in public education and prevention. He encouraged journalists and content creators to develop more youth-centred narratives that demystify substance abuse and promote positive alternatives.
The forum also featured a vibrant open-floor discussion where school authorities, youth activists, social workers, and healthcare professionals shared insights and suggested action points ranging from improved referral systems and early intervention programmes to community-based peer support.
The engagement is part of Savana Signatures’ broader “Get High on the GoodLife” campaign, which has been running across senior high schools and communities in the Northern Region. Through engaging and localised approaches, like poetry, drama, digital storytelling, and school-based conversations, the initiative has reached thousands of students, raising awareness and providing a path toward prevention, rehabilitation, and hope.
“This gathering is a turning point,” said a campaign representative. “We’ve moved beyond just talking; we’re building a movement with traditional leaders, media, civil society, and youth at the centre.”
The event closed on a note of unity and urgency, as participants implored to take the campaign’s momentum back into their communities, schools, and institutions, with a shared vision of a substance-free Northern Ghana.
By: Prince Kwame Tamakloe/Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
