The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has raised grave concerns over the alarming increase in shisha use among senior high school students in the Ashanti Region.
The FDA has also observed a worrying rise in the abuse of other drugs, posing a significant threat to the future of these young individuals.
Shisha smoking, which involves inhaling flavored tobacco through a water pipe, contains nicotine and can lead to addiction.
Public health organizations, including the World Health Organization, warn that shisha smoking can be as harmful as cigarette smoking.
In response to this disturbing trend, the FDA, in collaboration with the KIDA Network, has intensified efforts to educate students about the dangers of drug abuse.
Regulatory Officer Prince Osei Owusu emphasized the urgent need for stronger collaboration between the Ghana Education Service (GES) and the FDA to tackle this issue effectively.
"Students are abusing drugs, especially with the introduction of shisha. This modern form of tobacco use is targeted at the youth, who often do not realize it is a form of tobacco," Mr. Owusu stated.
"With the information we are providing, students are becoming enlightened and more aware of the risks. However, we need greater access to schools, which is why collaboration with GES is crucial."
The educational initiatives seem to be making an impact, as students who have been informed about the risks of drug abuse have committed to avoiding all forms of drug use.
However, the battle is far from over.
Diya Williams, Group Coordinator for KIDA Network, stressed the necessity for more robust awareness campaigns.
"We need to create more awareness because the message out there is not loud enough. We are educating not just the youth but the general public about the severe risks associated with drug abuse and addiction," Williams said.
The FDA's alert highlights a critical public health issue that requires immediate and sustained action.
The increasing trend of shisha use among high school students, coupled with the rising abuse of other drugs, underscores the urgent need for comprehensive educational and regulatory measures to protect the youth from the perils of addiction and its long-term consequences.
Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith
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