The Acting Director-General of Pantang Hospital, Dr Yennusom Maalug, has called for a more integrated and rehabilitation-centred approach to addressing drug abuse among Ghanaian youth.

Speaking in an interview on ATV on Monday, 23 February, on the topic “Health Challenges Facing Ghanaian Youth,” Dr Maalug acknowledged ongoing efforts by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) in the Northern Region to clamp down on youth involved in drug abuse.

He described the initiative as commendable but questioned the long-term objective of relying primarily on arrests.

According to him, arresting individuals alone is insufficient in addressing substance abuse, particularly when many of those apprehended may not ultimately face successful prosecution. He stressed that there must be a shift in strategy from a predominantly punitive approach to one that prioritises rehabilitation and treatment.

Dr Maalug noted that the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), which is mandated to deal with drug trafficking, also has a responsibility to support rehabilitation efforts. He emphasised the need for a coordinated system that integrates law enforcement with mental health and addiction treatment services.

“If someone struggling with addiction is arrested, what happens next?” he asked, pointing to the need for structured referrals to facilities such as Pantang Hospital, the Accra Psychiatric Hospital, or accredited private rehabilitation centres.

He further referenced international examples such as the Portugal and Iceland models, which combine regulation, treatment, and social reintegration strategies in addressing substance abuse. The key, he said, is to build a system that balances enforcement with rehabilitation and reintegration into society.

While describing the current clampdown as a positive step, Dr Maalug maintained that the approach requires refinement to ensure sustainable impact.

He also highlighted the issue of stigma surrounding mental health and addiction, noting that many young people hide their struggles due to fear of discrimination, thereby delaying access to treatment.

Dr Maalug reiterated the importance of treating substance abuse as a health issue that requires professional care, alongside broader societal support systems.