The Vision for Alternative Development (VALD) has joined the globe to mark the 2025 International Day Against Drug Abuse with a call on the government to seriously invest to prevent drug trafficking in the country.
A statement by Mr Issah Ali, the Executive Director, VALD, and copied to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) said there was the need for the government and stakeholders to shift from reaction to prevention to break the cycle of drug abuse.
This year’s theme for the Day was: “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention. Break the Cycle.”
Mr Ali said across many regions including Ghana, organised networks expend drugs production and trafficking at an alarming rate, with new drug markets rapidly growing across Africa, Asia and Europe.
He noted that the synthetic drugs which are highly potent opioids like nitazenes are creating deadly new threats and placing pressure on already weak health systems.
“In Ghana and across the region illicit drugs trade does not stand alone but linked with crimes such as human trafficking, illegal mining and environmental destruction,” he stated.
The Director said together these crimes create a vicious cycle of poverty, exploitation, weak institutions and addiction that harm the future of communities.
“At VALD, we believe stopping drug trafficking requires long-term coordinated actions that address both supply and demand, prevent organized criminal groups from taking advantage of our vulnerabilities,” Mr Ali said.
He therefore called on the government to invest in prevention, justice, education, healthcare and alternative livelihoods while urging policymakers to integrate prevention into national development plans and security responses.
He encouraged civil society organizations to strengthen awareness, especially among the youth and that all stakeholders should work together to break the cycle and stop organized crime.
Mr Ali noted that “investing in prevention is not just a smart choice, it is the most humane and effective way to tackle drug abuse and organized crimes. We have the evidence, what we need now is political will and sustained actions.
“VALD stands ready to work with all partners to break the cycle and protect our communities. We must act now on the evidence; we must invest in prevention. Together we can break the cycle.”