Tamale: A stakeholders' engagement meeting has been held to strategise on effective measures to address the growing incidence of substance abuse in the northern part of the country. It was to foster stronger partnerships and develop sustainable community-driven solutions to combat substance abuse, especially amongst young people.
According to Ghana News Agency, the meeting was organised by Savana Signatures, an NGO, under the theme: 'Strengthening Multi-Stakeholder Solutions for a Substance-Free Northern Ghana.' It brought together key stakeholders including traditional authorities, youth advocacy groups, media representatives, and other relevant actors involved in the fight against substance abuse in the Northern Region.
Dr Stephen Agbenyo, Executive Director of Savanna Signatures, speaking during the forum in Tamale, said it was designed to enhance collaboration amongst stakeholders working to prevent and respond to substance abuse. He said it also served as a platform to share insights, data, and lived experiences related to substance use, and to stimulate holistic conversations towards addressing the menace, especially amongst the youth.
Dr Agbenyo emphasised the need to explore existing interventions, identify gaps, and commit to a shared action plan that supports prevention, rehabilitation, and sustainable policy advocacy. Mr Peter Yaro, Executive Director of BasicNeeds-Ghana, a mental health advocacy organisation, who was represented at the event, said lack of accessible mental health services, coupled with stigma and limited awareness had created a dangerous vacuum where psychological distress often went untreated, making substance abuse a common coping mechanism.
He expressed concern about the weakening of traditional and family structures that once helped shield young people from substance abuse. He called for urgent, integrated, and well-coordinated interventions that addressed both substances used and promoting mental health services in the region.
Mr Mohammed Fugu, a journalist with the Daily Graphic in Tamale, presented a scientific analysis of media coverage of substance abuse. His analysis revealed that most published stories on the subject were event-driven rather than self-initiated by journalists. He observed that many reports were sensational, offering little insight into the root causes and solutions to the problem. Mr Fugu emphasised the need to train journalists on best practices for reporting on substance abuse to enhance their capacity and effectiveness. He encouraged the publication of in-depth content such as feature stories, opinion pieces, and editorials to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the issue.
Sagnar-Naa Yakubu Abdulai, Paramount Chief of Sagnarigu Traditional Area commended Savana Signatures for the initiative and pledged his support for the fight against substance abuse in the area.