Ghana’s Mental Health Authority reported over 3000 cases of mental disorders linked to alcohol use in 2023, underscoring a concerning rise in substance abuse-related mental health issues.
In a statement released on June 25, 2024, to mark the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the authority also documented 5,554 cases of mental disorders due to other psychoactive substances.
The statement highlighted a worrying five-year trend, with data from the District Health Information Management System (DHIMS) showing an increase in cases from 4,155 in 2019 to 5,554 in 2023.
The most affected age group is 20-34 years, but alarmingly, children as young as 10-14 years are also presenting with drug-related conditions.
This year’s theme, “Evidence is clear: Invest in prevention,” reaffirms the authority’s commitment to addressing the challenges and effects of drug abuse in Ghana.
The Mental Health Authority has partnered with various stakeholders to combat the issue through education, publication, and policy advocacy.
They emphasize the need for increased investment in prevention and evidence-based interventions.
The statement concluded that, in 2023, there were 3,765 cases of mental disorders related to alcohol use and 5,554 cases linked to other psychoactive substances.
