Governance and International Relations expert Mathias Bonzo-Ewereko Boateng has described illegal street drug hawking as a major security threat that requires urgent national attention.
Speaking on Accra-based UTV, he expressed concern over the widespread sale of unregulated drugs, warning that the practice poses serious risks to public health and safety.
“Illegal street drug hawking is not just a health issue; it is a national security threat,” he stated.
His comments come amid renewed efforts by the Pharmacy Council of Ghana and the Food and Drugs Authority to clamp down on illegal drug hawkers.
According to him, the issue is particularly dangerous for vulnerable populations, especially those in rural areas who may lack adequate knowledge about proper drug use.
He recounted a personal experience from 1997 in his hometown, where a young girl nearly lost her life after attempting to terminate a pregnancy using drugs obtained from street hawkers.
Mathias Boateng questioned why such practices continue in Ghana, noting that in many countries visited by Ghanaian leaders, illegal street drug sales are strictly controlled or non-existent.
He stressed the need for decisive action rather than continuous discussions, urging authorities to implement strict measures to curb the practice and protect the youth.
