The Director-General of Pantang Hospital, Dr Yennusom Maalug, has called for a balanced approach that respects religious and cultural beliefs while promoting medical treatment for substance abuse and mental health conditions in Ghana.

Speaking on ATV on Monday, 23 February, during a discussion on “Health Challenges Facing Ghanaian Youth,” Dr Maalug stressed that substance addiction is not a moral failing but a medical condition that can be managed with proper care.

“It is not a moral problem. It is just like any other disease or mental disorder,” he said, explaining that although addiction can become severe, it is treatable with the right intervention.

Dr Maalug noted that many families attribute addiction, particularly alcohol and substance dependence, to spiritual causes or curses. In some cases, individuals and their relatives do not accept that addiction is a health condition, believing instead that the person has been spiritually afflicted.

According to him, such beliefs are common in Ghanaian society, where spirituality plays a significant role in daily life. However, he emphasised that while belief systems should be respected, they should not prevent individuals from seeking medical care.

“We cannot tell people not to believe what they want to believe,” he stated. “We must appreciate our culture and belief systems. But we should also explain how these conditions occur and how treatment works.”

He pointed out that many people first seek help from prayer camps or spiritual centres before turning to hospitals, even when they are educated. For this reason, he cautioned against dismissing spiritual beliefs, as doing so could discourage individuals from seeking professional treatment.

Dr Maalug advocated a complementary approach, encouraging those who hold spiritual beliefs to continue their religious practices while also accessing medical care. “You can pray, but still take your medication. You can pray, but still go to the hospital,” he advised.

Beyond spiritual interpretations, he also highlighted environmental and social risk factors contributing to substance abuse. These include early exposure to alcohol or drugs within the home, parental practices, peer pressure, and weak enforcement of laws regulating the sale of alcohol to minors. He noted that in some public places, such as lorry stations, underage individuals are still able to purchase alcoholic beverages despite legal restrictions.

Dr Maalug reiterated that addiction and mental health disorders should be treated as health issues requiring professional intervention, public education, and reduced stigma.

He emphasised that promoting understanding, respecting cultural contexts, and strengthening access to treatment are essential steps in addressing the growing challenge of substance abuse among Ghanaian youth.