A new study presented by the Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment has revealed that most Ghanaian youth do not believe drug use enhances academic performance.
According to Youth Minister George Opare Addo, “63% of youth do not think drugs boost academic performance, 15% believe they do, and 22% are unsure.”
Delivering the maiden State of the Youth Address in Accra on November 5, said the results indicate that the majority of young people understand the dangers of drug use, adding that “the combined 85% who reject or are neutral about drug benefits suggests a chance to address this issue.”
The Minister said this insight presents an opportunity to strengthen public education and prevention programs before misconceptions about drugs take deeper root in society.
He explained that while many students experiment with drugs due to peer pressure or curiosity, few actually believe such habits improve their academic performance, which shows that awareness campaigns are beginning to have impact.
The Minister identified curiosity, stress relief, and peer pressure as major causes of drug use in schools, describing the trend as one that demands urgent national attention.
The Minister said the government’s recent study provides worrying insight into what drives young people toward substance use, even at an early age.
According to him, “The major drivers of drug use in schools are curiosity and experimentation, stress relief, peer influence, social pressure, feel good factor and enjoyment, academic pressure, social anxiety, emotional loneliness, depression, identity struggles, the desire to feel included and confidence.”
He said these findings point to the need for holistic interventions that do not just punish students but address the emotional and psychological roots of drug use.
The Minister noted that the data underscores the pressures many young people face, from academic stress to the need for social acceptance, which often push them toward risky coping mechanisms.
He added that combating the problem will require collaborative efforts involving parents, educators, health professionals, and youth organizations to promote resilience and emotional wellbeing among students.
