The Rising Tide of Drug Abuse in Ghana and Nigeria: Unraveling Causes, Dangers, and Solutions

orpmarketing
May 18
5 min read

Drug abuse is no longer a hushed topic in Ghana and Nigeria—it’s a screaming public health crisis that’s tearing at the fabric of these nations. From the bustling streets of Lagos to the vibrant markets of Accra, substances like tramadol, codeine, cannabis, and the emerging "wonim red" in Ghana are hooking young people at an alarming rate. Why is this happening? What’s fueling this epidemic, and what can be done before it spirals further out of control? Let’s dig into the data, the dangers, and the desperate need for action.

The Scale of the Problem: Data Speaks Louder Than Words

In Nigeria, the numbers are staggering. A 2019 report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) estimated that 14.4% of Nigerians aged 15–64—roughly 14.3 million people—abuse drugs. Cannabis leads the pack as the most abused illicit substance, but opioids like tramadol and codeine are catching up fast, with a prevalence of 14.4% in 2019, likely higher now. Over 500,000 bottles of codeine are consumed daily by young Nigerians, often mixed with soft drinks for a quick high. Northern Nigeria, particularly Kano, is a hotspot, with reports suggesting 7 out of 10 youths use drugs frequently. The South-West, including Lagos, isn’t far behind, with the highest regional prevalence at 22%.

Ghana’s situation is equally grim. A 2024 study found that 45.7% of undergraduates in southwestern Nigerian universities reported substance abuse, but Ghana’s youth are also sliding into the abyss. The rise of “wonim red,” a mysterious new drug, alongside tramadol and concocted cough syrups, signals a shift from traditional marijuana use to more potent substances. A 2024 study of adolescents aged 10–17 in Ghana revealed significant substance use, with outlets ranging from local vendors to pharmacies selling without prescriptions. Tramadol abuse, in particular, has sparked a “crisis” narrative, with media reports highlighting its grip on Ghanaian youth.

Why Is This Happening? The Root Causes

The surge in drug abuse isn’t just about kids chasing a high—it’s a symptom of deeper wounds. Here’s what’s driving it:

Socioeconomic Despair: Both Ghana and Nigeria grapple with high unemployment—41% in Nigeria, per KPMG—and economic instability. Frustrated youths, staring at bleak job prospects, turn to drugs as an escape. In Ghana, tramadol users often cite “palpable pain” from economic precarity and marginalization. It’s not just physical pain; it’s the ache of a future that feels out of reach.
Peer Pressure and Cultural Shifts: In Nigeria, peer influence is a major driver, especially among youths who feel inferior or pressured to fit in. Social media amplifies this, with music and movie stars glamorizing drug use. In Ghana, the normalization of substances like marijuana in some communities lowers the barrier to experimenting with harder drugs like “wonim red.”
Easy Access: Weak regulation is a gaping hole. In Nigeria, codeine and tramadol are sold over the counter despite being prescription-only since 2012. Smuggled high-dosage tramadol (200–225mg) floods the market. Ghana’s pharmacies and street vendors freely dispense tramadol, fueling the crisis. Only five studies in Nigeria have identified drug sources, showing a lack of focus on supply chains.
Moral Panic and Stigma: In Ghana, leaders often blame “moral weakness” among youth, pushing education or punishment over structural solutions. This oversimplification ignores root causes like poverty and trauma, leaving users stigmatized and less likely to seek help. Nigeria’s punitive approach—arrests over rehabilitation—further alienates addicts.
Regional Drug Trade: West Africa’s role as a drug trafficking hub doesn’t help. Nigeria and Ghana are transit points for cocaine and heroin from Latin America and Asia, with local markets now consuming what was once just passing through. Cannabis cultivation in both countries also feeds domestic demand.

The Dangers: A Ticking Time Bomb

Drug abuse isn’t just a personal tragedy—it’s a societal wrecking ball. The risks are brutal:

Health Impacts: Tramadol and codeine misuse can cause respiratory depression, liver damage, seizures, coma, and death. In Nigeria, opioid abuse is linked to higher rates of HIV/AIDS and hepatitis from unsafe practices. Mental health takes a hit too, with addiction fueling anxiety, depression, and social isolation.
Social Fallout: Families crumble under the weight of addiction. In Nigeria, drug-related crimes, from petty theft to violent robberies, are spiking. Ghana’s healthcare system is strained, and productivity is tanking as young people spiral. Both nations face rising social instability.
Economic Toll: Nigeria spends billions annually on psychotropic drugs and alcohol, draining resources. Addicted youths, often unemployed, become a burden on families and communities, deepening poverty cycles. Ghana’s drug crisis threatens its economic growth, with “wonim red” adding a new layer of unpredictability.
“Wonim Red” Mystery: Little is known about this new drug in Ghana, but its emergence signals a dangerous trend toward uncharted substances. Without rapid identification and awareness, it could spread like wildfire, compounding existing risks.

Solutions: A Call to Action

Tackling this epidemic requires guts, coordination, and a willingness to face hard truths. Here’s what can be done:

Strangle the Supply: Both nations need to crack down on illicit drug networks. Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) must tighten borders and regulate pharmacies. Ghana should follow suit, targeting vendors and smuggled tramadol. Identifying and blocking drug sources is critical—only 5 studies in Nigeria have even tried.
Rehabilitation Over Punishment: Nigeria’s focus on criminalization fails addicts. Decriminalizing drug use and expanding treatment centers would reduce stigma and encourage help-seeking. Ghana needs more rehab programs tailored to youth, emphasizing psychological and physical recovery.
Public Awareness: Education campaigns must cut through myths. Nigeria’s media can highlight dangers of codeine and tramadol, while Ghana needs urgent awareness about “wonim red.” Community and religious leaders should promote prevention, not moral judgment.
Economic Empowerment: Jobs and opportunities can dull the appeal of drugs. Nigeria and Ghana must invest in youth programs, vocational training, and social inclusion to give hope where despair now reigns.
Data and Surveillance: Both countries lack robust data. Nigeria’s National Sentinel Network and Ghana’s research efforts need funding to track trends and tailor interventions. Without data, solutions are just guesses.

A Personal Note

I’ve seen friends in West Africa wrestle with addiction—it’s not just a statistic, it’s a gut punch. One guy I knew in Lagos started with codeine to “take the edge off” after losing his job. Two years later, he was a shadow of himself, stealing from his mom to buy more. It’s not about weak morals; it’s about a system that’s failing its youth. Ghana and Nigeria can’t afford to look away.

The Bottom Line

The rise of drug abuse in Ghana and Nigeria—fueled by poverty, easy access, and cultural shifts—is a crisis that demands action now. From tramadol to “wonim red,” these substances are stealing futures and destabilizing societies. The dangers are clear: wrecked health, broken families, and economic ruin. But there’s hope in coordinated efforts—tougher laws, better rehab, and real opportunities for youth. It’s time to stop preaching and start acting. The clock’s ticking.