The Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare Addo, has sounded an alarm over escalating challenges, including substance abuse, mental health disorders, and rising sexually transmitted infections (STIs)—that threaten the potential of Ghana’s youthful population.
In a data-driven State of the Youth Address (SOYA), the Minister outlined the government’s five-pillar strategy to address the growing crisis and harness the nation’s demographic dividend, which sees 38% of citizens aged 15-35.
”The youth of our country represent not only our present strength but also the foundation upon which we build a resilient, productive, and inclusive society,” Opare Addo stated. “It is my considered view that we must collectively develop appropriate policy responses to inspire, equip, and empower the youth of Ghana to unleash their potential for national development.”
The Minister dedicated a significant portion of his address to the critical state of youth health, which he identified as a fundamental pillar for progress, noting that Ghana’s population has a sustained youth bulge, with an additional 36% of the population under 14 years old.
The data presented showed that drug use is a “growing national crisis,” with alarming exposure rates among students. He revealed that 41% of tertiary students and 37% of Senior High School (SHS) students have encountered drug use, with Colleges of Education reporting the highest awareness at 54%. The problem affects all institutions, with Technical Universities at 45%, Public Universities at 41%, Private Universities at 35%, and Nursing and Midwifery Training Colleges at 30%.
The Minister highlighted the growing use of harmful substances, particularly synthetic pills like “Red 225” (“Wonim Red”). Accessibility, he noted, is disturbingly easy, ranging from peer networks and local pubs to discreet on-campus dealers and new online courier delivery systems. He emphasized the psychological drivers, including stress relief, with 57% of youth believing drugs help manage it, and social pressure. A combined 85% of youth either reject or are neutral about the belief that drugs boost academic performance, presenting a vital opportunity for intervention.
He warned that early exposure is devastating: 26% of first-time users are aged 14 or 15, and 41% are aged 16 and 17, severely impairing memory, learning, and emotional control. “Each lost student to substance abuse represents a lost opportunity for Ghana’s growth and transformation,” he cautioned.
The address further revealed a significant rise in mental health challenges, with studies showing 8% of tertiary students and 19% of the general population experience depression. A direct link to addiction was confirmed, as a staggering 43.6% of young gamblers report facing depression, and 68.8% report anxiety.
In terms of Sexual Health, new HIV infections among youth accounted for 27.4% of all new cases in 2023. Of further concern, the incidence rate of sexually transmitted infections increased by 32% in 2024, concurrent with an “observed decline in testing rates among young people.”
The Minister also flagged the growing issue of overweight and obesity, which has a 16.1% overall prevalence for overweight and 9.4% for obesity in the youth demographic. Additionally, teenage pregnancy remains a major public health issue with a 19% prevalence among girls aged 15-19, and the rise of gaming addiction and prolonged screen time are increasingly linked to mental health problems.
Five Strategic Pillars for Empowerment
To counteract these challenges, the government’s response is centered on five strategic pillars: Health and Well-being; Education and Skills Training; Economic Empowerment; Civic Engagement and Community Participation; and Personal Development and Leadership.
George Opare Addo announced that his Ministry will collaborate with stakeholders to formulate and execute a comprehensive national strategy to combat substance abuse and strengthen mental health support. He noted that currently, only 36% of academic institutions offer counseling and support services, deeming this figure “woefully inadequate.”
Civic Engagement and Governance Gap
On Civic Engagement, the Minister highlighted the active role of young people, noting that nearly half of the country’s youth are actively involved in volunteer activities. This engagement is evident through youth-led movements such as #FixTheCountry and Buzstopboys, which demonstrate robust informal activism focused on accountability and environmental protection.
Despite this robust culture of community involvement, the Minister pointed out a significant gap in formal political participation, stating that less than 10% of elected Assembly Members are below the age of 35. Furthermore, he noted a disparity where urban youth are typically more involved in advocacy efforts due to greater access to information and social media, while rural youth, often prioritizing livelihood demonstrate involvement primarily at the community level.
He concluded by emphasizing that protecting the health and future of Ghana’s young people is a collective national imperative necessary to successfully transition the “sustained youth bulge” from a potential threat into a transformative opportunity.
Story By: Eugenia Ewoenam Osei
