Hooked and Hopeless: Ghana’s Moving Corpses in School Uniform

A covert yet dangerous epidemic is ravaging our nation, undermining the very foundation of our future youth. Escalating reports of drug abuse, particularly regarding a substance referred to as “Red 225,” portray a disturbing scenario filled with despair, loss of hope, and wasted potential.

Initially confined to urbans slums, this drug culture has now permeated our schools, homes, and public spaces, resulting in a trail of shattered dreams and, sadly, “moving corpses”-youth who are physically present but mentally and emotionally devastated by drug use.

What is Red 225?

Red 225 is the slang term for an opioid known as Tramadol, which has become increasingly popular among our youth. Originally Intended for pain management, it is now frequently abused for its euphoric effects. Its low cost and easy availability on the black market makes it particularly attractive and dangerously addictive. High doses or combinations of substances like alcohol or energy drinks can trigger hallucinations, seizures, or even lead to death.

As reported by the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), more than 40% of drugs seized in local markets in 2022 were unregulated Tramadol variants, especially the 200mg and 225mg forms unapproved by the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA). NACOC also indicated that “the misuse of prescription drugs, especially Tramadol, is widespread among commercial drivers, artisans, students, and unemployed youth.”

The Connection Between Drug Abuse and Crime

The rise of illicit drug usage has a dare correlation with increased crime rates; our country is no exception. Recent reports have highlighted disturbing instances of misconduct in senior high schools, with students found armed with knives and even firearms to resolve disputes or intimidate others.

In 2023, the Ghana Education Service documented 512 instances of violence and indiscipline in public senior high schools, with a significant number tied to suspected substance use, according to a joint report by Africa Education Watch and the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT).

Such violent behaviour is often connected to drugs like Red 225, marijuana, and others that impair judgment and provoke aggression.

A senior education official expressed concern to Citi News, stating, “The behaviours we are witnessing are no longer mere mischief; they are driven by chemical-induced aggression. We face issues far deeper than simple disciplinary problems.

Perceived Drug Use Instances in Our Schools

• On March 18, 2024, five students from Gomoa Potsin T.I. Ahmadiyya SHS were taken into custody for attacking 12 others with knives and clubs, with the incident reportedly fueled by drug use, specifically the abuse of Red 225 (Tramadol) (YEN.com.gh, 2024).
• A violent incident took place at Bekwai SDA Senior High School on March 8, 2024, allegedly linked to drug abuse and increasing student indiscipline. In response, the Ministry of Education launched an investigation (Citi Newsroom, 2024).
• A bullying incident at Adisadel College on July 24, 2023, highlighted the connection between drug abuse and student violence, as a viral video showed one student attacking another, with drug use suspected to have intensified the situation (The Ghana Report, 2023).
• On July 18, 2023, Labone Senior High School experienced a violent attack involving students wielding cutlasses. This incident was associated with substance abuse, including marijuana and Red 225, raising serious concerns regarding drug use in schools (Citi Newsroom, 2023).Can all these happen in pure mental states?

Challenges within the Education System

Ghana’s educational framework, particularly at the senior high school level, is undergoing a severe trial. Once regarded as a safe space for academic and moral development, schools are increasingly becoming arenas for drug abuse and aggressive behaviour.

A 2021 study by the University of Cape Coast (UCC) found that 28% of SHS students in the Central and Greater Accra Regions had either tried Tramadol or knew someone who had.

Although the Ministry of Education has undertaken significant initiatives to improve educational quality, it is imperative to enhance policies addressing drug use in schools. Guidance and counselling services are underfunded and lack specialized staff, while teachers often feel ill-equipped to handle these complex issues.

Recommended Solutions

To combat this escalating issue, a multi-faceted approach is essential:

• Policy Revision and Implementation:

The Ministry of Education must urgently update school health and safety policies to incorporate drug screening, education, and rehabilitation initiatives. The current Ghana Education Strategic Plan (2018–2030) insufficiently addresses substance abuse, and this oversight must be corrected. Schools need access to trained counsellors and social workers to identify vulnerable students and provide timely support.

• Holistic Drug Education:

Integrating drug education into curricula at all levels is crucial. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) emphasizes that early drug prevention programs can decrease initiation rates by up to 40%.

• Engagement of Communities and Parents:

Community mobilization through churches, mosques, youth organizations, and traditional leaders is vital for raising awareness and establishing support networks for youth. A 2020 report from the Ghana Psychological Association indicated that inadequate parental supervision significantly contributes to youth susceptibility to substance use. Parents must be educated on early warning signs of drug abuse and effective intervention methods.

• Law Enforcement and Regulation:

The rampant availability of Red 225 is extremely concerning. The FDA reported that over 80 unauthorized sellers of chemicals were apprehended in 2022 for illegally selling Tramadol, indicating a thriving black market.

Dr. Stephen Opuni, former CEO of the FDA, remarked, “We must address the illegal sale of prescription drugs with the same urgency as armed robbery-it’s a silent threat.”

• Youth Empowerment and Job Creation:

The 2021 Ghana Statistical Service Labour Force Survey indicated that youth unemployment was at 19.7%, contributing to frustration and idleness that lead many towards substance abuse.

Initiatives like YouStart and NEIP should be restructured to include support services, such as mentorship, mental health aid, and counselling for substance abuse.

A Collective Responsibility

This serves as a crucial alert. We must not ignore the reality that an entire generation is succumbing to addiction, despair, and criminal behaviour. A prosperous Ghana cannot be built on the remnants of drug-dependent youth.

Proverbs 22:6 reminds us, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” It is essential to revive a shared commitment to guidance, mentoring, and moral education.

Conclusion

The increasing rate of drug abuse among our youth, particularly with Red 225, is a looming crisis. With each day of inaction, more lives are lost and futures erased, creating more “moving corpses.” We cannot afford to wait for another national tragedy before taking action.

This is urgent and a moral imperative, a battle for the integrity of our nation.

As Kofi Annan stated, “Young people should be at the forefront of global change and innovation. Empowered, they can be key agents for development and peace.” We must not allow drugs to strip our youth of this potential. The moment to act is now.

 

WRITTEN BY: WISDOM KOUDJO KLU, EDUCATIONIST COLUMNIST, GREATER ACCRA REGION. [email protected]