The Mental Health Authority of Ghana has documented 3,765 instances of mental illnesses associated with alcohol consumption in 2023, underscoring an increasing pattern of substance abuse-related mental health problems.
In an announcement made on June 25, 2024, International Day against Drug Abuse and Illegal Trafficking, the authorities also listed 5,554 instances of mental illnesses brought on by other psychoactive substances.
According to data from the District Health Information Management System (DHIMS), there has been a worrying five-year surge in these instances, with a rise from 4,155 in 2019 to 5,554 in 2023.
The age group most afflicted is 20–34, but worryingly, drug-related disorders are also showing up in children as young as 10–14 years old.
“Evidence is clear: Invest in prevention,” this year’s theme, reiterates the authority’s resolve to confront the problems and ramifications of drug usage in Ghana.
In order to address the issue, the Mental Health Authority has teamed up with partners and published articles, advocated for policies, and stressed the importance of increasing funding for evidence-based therapies and prevention.
“Among the top 10 reasons for mental health outpatient attendance are mental problems brought on by alcohol and other psychoactive substances, according to data from DHIMS. 3,765 cases of mental illnesses associated with alcohol consumption and 5,554 cases associated with other psychoactive substances were reported in 2023, according to the statement.