Odomase: Mrs Francisca Patoah Gyarko, a Principal Regulatory Officer at the Bono Regional Office of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), has called for radical measures to control the growing trend of substance and illicit drug abuse among young people. She emphasized the need for pragmatic strategies to curb tobacco use within the youthful population as well.

According to Ghana News Agency, Mrs Gyarko made these remarks during an interview on the side-lines of a sensitisation forum held at Odomase in the Sunyani West Municipality. The forum, organized by the FDA, aimed to raise awareness among students of Odomaseman Senior High School about the consequences of tobacco and substance abuse. This event was part of the 2025 commemoration of World No Tobacco Day, themed ‘Unmasking the appeal, exposing industry tactics on tobacco and nicotine products.’

Mrs Gyarko highlighted the severe impact of drug abuse and smoking, describing them as an ‘alarming epidemic’ responsible for millions of deaths annually. She stressed the necessity of protecting youth and children from the deceptive tactics employed by the tobacco industry. Furthermore, she advocated for stricter regulations on the packaging, advertisement, and marketing of tobacco products to safeguard vulnerable children and adolescents.

In a speech read on her behalf, Mrs Akua Amponsaa Owusu, the Bono Regional Head of the FDA, underlined the significant health implications of tobacco and illicit drug use. She noted that harmful substances, such as tar, nicotine, and carbon monoxide, infiltrate the lungs, causing respiratory diseases like lung cancer, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, and asthma. Mrs Owusu also pointed out the strong link between tobacco use and various forms of cancer, as well as an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular conditions.

Nana Ama Gyankoma Asirifi, the Bono Regional Health Promotion Officer, cautioned students and youth against substance abuse and tobacco use, warning that tobacco contains over 100 hazardous chemicals harmful to the body.