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Osman Ayariga, Chief Executive Officer(CEO) of the National Youth Authority (NYA), has made a strong case for a national ban on e-cigarettes, shisha, and other dangerous substances in response to the growing substance misuse issue among Ghana’s youth.
Speaking fervently on Saturday, July 5 on Channel One TV, Mr. Ayariga voiced his concern over the concerning increase in the usage of vaping devices and related items, which he categorically identified as serious health hazards for the younger generation.
Mr. Ayariga stated, “The issue of substance abuse has become very teething and pivotal so far as the NYA is concerned,” emphasizing how urgent the matter is.
He elaborated on his stance regarding popular, yet detrimental, substances: “I have heard various health arguments that [shisha] is very unhealthy for young people. So, anything that will be unhealthy to young people, I will always subscribe that it should be banned. This is a national conversation we need to have.”
Growing evidence from around the world supports the NYA’s concern. The WHO has issued many warnings regarding the risks associated with e-cigarettes and shisha, pointing out that the smoke from shisha frequently contains higher concentrations of harmful substances than a single cigarette, such as carbon monoxide, heavy metals, and carcinogens. Similarly, although being promoted as safer substitutes, e-cigarettes contain nicotine, which is extremely addictive and can impair the development of the adolescent brain. With an estimated 10 million young people, Ghana’s youth constitute a sizable demographic at risk from these new dangers.
In addition to raising awareness and promoting prevention, Ayariga clarified that the NYA aids in attempts at rehabilitation and reintegration by providing job assistance and skill development to reintegrate recovered addicts.
In order to protect the mental health and general wellbeing of Ghana’s youth, he urged the media to increase their efforts to combat drug misuse.
Source: Ghanatodayonline.com
