Executive Director of Pharmercy Africa Foundation, Aisha Sena, has called for urgent and coordinated action to address the growing menace of drug and substance abuse across Ghana and the African continent.

Speaking at the launch of Pharmercy Africa Foundation on May 30, 2026, under the theme “Mitigating Drug and Substance Abuse: Our Collective Responsibility,” Aisha Sena stated that Africa can no longer afford to treat drug abuse, mental health neglect, and the proliferation of substandard medicines as isolated challenges.

According to her, international drug cartels have increasingly used African countries as transit points for illicit substances over the past decade, contributing to a rise in domestic drug consumption, addiction, and dependency, particularly among young people.

She explained that rapid urbanisation and the expansion of densely populated communities across sub-Saharan Africa have created conditions that facilitate the growth of open drug markets, especially in areas lacking adequate social support systems, recreational facilities, and effective policing.

Aisha Sena further noted that substance abuse continues to place enormous pressure on healthcare systems and criminal justice institutions while contributing to severe health complications, reduced life expectancy, and worsening mental health challenges.



“The growing threat of drug and substance abuse, mental health neglect, and the circulation of substandard medicines can no longer be confronted with fragmented efforts or delayed responses. The time has come for stronger coordination, sustained advocacy, and community-driven action,” she stated.

The Executive Director further explained that the foundation was established to create a platform that brings together policymakers, healthcare professionals, civil society organisations, traditional authorities, faith-based institutions, development partners, and private-sector stakeholders to collectively address these challenges.

According to her, the foundation’s vision is to help build a healthy and productive society, while its mission is to combat drug and substance abuse and the spread of substandard medicines through awareness creation, advocacy, support systems, and community-based interventions.

“We will provide accurate, science-backed information directly from experts and support those who are struggling with drug and substance abuse and addiction,” she said.



Also speaking to the media on the sidelines of the launch, the Board Chairman of Pharmercy Africa Foundation, Juabie Duori Bennin, called for stronger efforts to tackle drug and substance abuse, describing prevention as a collective responsibility rather than a choice.

According to him, individuals who use drugs often face a double burden: the harmful effects of addiction and the stigma and discrimination associated with substance abuse.

Bennin stressed that the situation should serve as a wake-up call for policymakers, communities, families, and institutions to intensify efforts aimed at prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation.

“Drug users are victimised twice: first by the harmful effects of the drugs themselves, and second by the stigma and discrimination they face. The situation is dire, with millions of people struggling with drug use.

“At this point in our fight against drug abuse, it should be noted that prevention is not a choice. Prevention is a responsibility. It is a responsibility and a movement that all of us must embrace in our homes, workplaces, and communities,” he said.

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