September 16, 2019
Username:
 In 2024-Substance Abuse

Topic: 2024-Substance Abuse
Country: Ghana
Delegate Name: Jack Bredeweg

World Health Organization (WHO)
Substance Abuse
Ghana
Jack Bredeweg
Ghana’s Stance on Substance Abuse
Substance abuse is a huge issue both in the Republic of Ghana, but also in the World. According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, in 2021 there are 296 million people who use drugs. Furthermore, according to the National Library of Medicine, 1.25 million Ghanaians use drugs. Because there are only 34.12 million people living in Ghana that means 3.66% of Ghanaians use drugs. Ghana recognizes that substance abuse hampers progress by compromising the productivity of its workforce, straining its healthcare system, and contributing to social unrest. This is not a new problem to the United Nations. The UN has created various programs to combat Substance Abuse, such as the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the International Drug Control Conventions. However, Ghana believes that more needs to be done to combat Substance Abuse because it has a strain on the low and middle class of Ghana and Ghana doesn’t have adequate health facilities to support those who abuse substances.
The Republic of Ghana recognizes substance abuse as a pressing issue. The misuse of alcohol, cannabis, and other illicit drugs has been an increasing concern, especially within the lower and middle classes of Ghana. The Republic of Ghana has implemented several key pieces of legislation to curb substance abuse, improve access to treatment and raise awareness. However, the Republic of Ghana still needs further support from the international community as new problems such as synthetic drugs and the drug traffickers in West Africa are emergenging. Ghana’s National Drug Control Master Plan is a key component in curbing substance abuse as it collaborates with international partners and focuses on prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and law enforcement. On an international level, the Republic of Ghana is a member of multiple organizations, such as the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
The Republic of Ghana proposes a comprehensive plan to Substance Abuse that emphasizes a balanced strategy of prevention, treatment, law enforcement, and international cooperation. The Republic of Ghana has already seen significant progress through the Drug Control Master Plan. However, issues with the accessibility and availability of rehabilitation centers, public awareness and the rising threat of synthetic drugs still poses a major problem. The Republic of Ghana recommends that the international community prioritize greater support for prevention programs, especially low income populations, and provide technical and financial assistance to strengthen healthcare systems and addiction treatment infrastructure in developing countries. Additionally, the Republic of Ghana suggests that countries in West Africa unite to combat Substance abuse by increasing intelligence sharing on drug traffickers. Through increased collaboration and investment, we can create a world where individuals affected by substance abuse are supported and empowered to lead healthy, productive lives.