In 2023, according to the Mental Health Authority, there were 3,765 recorded cases of mental disorders attributed to alcohol use, as well as 5,554 cases related to the use of other psychoactive substances.
The authority highlighted that Ghana is facing a growing challenge with drug abuse, particularly among the youth.
Over the past five years, there has been a consistent rise in cases of mental disorders linked to psychoactive substance use in Ghana. These cases have increased from 4,155 in 2019 to 5,554 in 2023, with the age group most affected being 20-34 years old.
The Mental Health Authority has highlighted that this trend poses significant challenges to public health, safety, and socio-economic development in the country.
Mental health issues in Ghana, similar to many other countries, are substantial but often marginalized due to cultural, social, and economic factors. Addressing these challenges requires concerted efforts in public awareness, healthcare infrastructure improvement, and supportive policies.
Mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders are relatively common in Ghana, although exact prevalence rates are difficult to ascertain due to underreporting and limited comprehensive studies.
According to a statement released by the Mental Health Authority on the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on June 26, 2024, there has been a noticeable increase in drug-related incidents and health crises in recent years. This trend underscores the critical need for effective preventive measures and intervention strategies.
The statement highlighted data from the District Health Information Management System (DHIMS), which consistently ranks mental disorders due to alcohol and other psychoactive substances among the top ten causes for outpatient attendance in mental health facilities. Specifically, in 2023, there were 3,765 cases of mental disorders attributed to alcohol use and 5,554 cases related to other psychoactive substance use.
Furthermore, the statement emphasized a concerning five-year trend showing a steady rise in mental disorders linked to psychoactive substance use, increasing from 4,155 cases in 2019 to 5,554 cases in 2023. The age group most affected continues to be individuals between 20 and 34 years old, although there are also cases reported in children as young as 10 to 14 years old, reflecting the broad impact of drug-related issues across different age demographics.
