By Frank Kwame Abbor, GNA
Ho, Oct. 19, GNA features — Growing concerns about smoking and the use of illicit drugs at public entertainment events have renewed calls for stronger child protection, responsible event management and intensified substance-abuse education across Ghana.
Festivals, musical concerts and street entertainment programmes provide important opportunities for cultural expression, tourism promotion and community development.
However, concerns about young people being exposed to smoking and potentially harmful substances at such gatherings have raised questions about the responsibilities of parents, traditional authorities, event organisers, entertainers and law enforcement agencies in protecting minors.
Smoking and drug use: a growing public concern
The concern is not entertainment itself but the possibility that some public gatherings could expose children and teenagers to behaviours’ that threaten their health, safety and prospects.
Stakeholders are therefore encouraged to ensure that celebrations remain enjoyable while discouraging the use of harmful substances, particularly among young people.
Smoking and illicit drug use are distinct but related to public health concerns. Health experts say tobacco smoking exposes users to harmful chemicals and increases the risk of serious diseases, while the misuse of substances such as cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine can cause severe physical and psychological harm.
Cannabis and the misuse of certain prescription medicines also carry health risks, depending on the substance, circumstances and pattern of use.
Young people may be particularly vulnerable to peer pressure, curiosity and the desire to gain social acceptance. When smoking or drug use is presented as fashionable or a sign of maturity, some may be encouraged to experiment without fully understanding the possible consequences.
Traditional leaders urged to protect community values
Togbega Tepre Hodo IV, the Paramount Chief of the Anfoega Traditional Area, has expressed concern about the need to address substance misuse and called on traditional authorities to take a firm position against harmful practices.
Traditional leaders, he indicated, have an important role in preserving community values, educating young people and working with relevant institutions to discourage or punish behaviours that could undermine their wellbeing.
Traditional authorities can use durbars, community meetings, youth groups and festival platforms to educate the public about the dangers of substance misuse. They can also collaborate with parents, schools, health professionals and security agencies to promote responsible conduct at public gatherings.
Their involvement is particularly important because traditional leaders often enjoy considerable influence within their communities and can help make substance abuse prevention a shared responsibility.
Entertainment must not normalise harmful behaviour
Reports of young people smoking openly at some entertainment events have prompted concerns about the effectiveness of age controls, parental supervision and venue regulations. A recent event in Ho featuring a popular Ghanaian dancehall artiste reportedly brought the issue into focus where artist openly endorsed smoking on stage.
Event organisers are encouraged to establish and enforce clear rules, communicate age restrictions where applicable, and ensure that adequate security arrangements are in place. They should also work with the police and relevant regulatory agencies to respond appropriately to suspected unlawful activities.
Musicians, performers and other public figures also have an opportunity to influence young audiences positively by discouraging substance misuse and promoting healthy lifestyles.
Police role in public safety and law enforcement
Chief Inspector Francis Gomado, Public Relations Officer of the Volta Regional Police Command, said it is important to explain the police role in maintaining public order and addressing suspected drug-related offences at entertainment events.
He emphasised the importance of young people making responsible choices and focusing on their future.
“There are better, safer and more rewarding experiences in life than abusing drugs,” he said, advising young people to acquire sustainable skills and avoid smoking and drug misuse.
The police can support event safety through appropriate security planning, crowd management, public education and investigation of suspected offences. Organisers should also establish clear procedures for reporting incidents and cooperate with law enforcement agencies when necessary.
NACOC calls for education and prevention
The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) plays an important role in Ghana’s efforts to control illicit drugs, enforce applicable laws and educate the public about substance-related risks.
Madam Millicent Marfo, a regulator and educator associated with NACOC, is a relevant voice in promoting public understanding of drug prevention, the health consequences of substance misuse and the importance of early intervention.
Illicit drugs can cause addiction, impair judgement and affect the central nervous system, while some substances may also contribute to social and economic difficulties for users and their families.
Public education should therefore equip young people with accurate information, strengthen their ability to resist peer pressure and encourage those experiencing substance-related problems to seek appropriate support without fear of stigma.
Schools, youth organisations, religious bodies and community groups can complement these efforts through educational programmes, counselling and discussions that address the pressures young people face.
Parents and Event Organisers Must Share Responsibility
Parents and guardians have a responsibility to know where their children are going, the nature of the events they attend, whom they accompany and how they will return home safely.
Younger children attending large gatherings should receive appropriate supervision, while parents should discuss the dangers of smoking, illicit drugs and other risky behaviours with them before they attend public events.
Event organisers, on their part, should assess potential risks, provide adequate lighting and security, communicate venue rules and ensure that personnel know how to respond to incidents involving minors.
Where necessary, organisers should work with child-protection services, health professionals, the police and the NACOC to develop practical measures that reduce the risk of children being exposed to harmful substances.
Protecting the Youth During Festivals and Concerts
The Volta Region hosts numerous cultural and entertainment programmes, including Anlo Hogbetsotso Za, Avenor TutudoZa, Dzodze Deza, Tsadidi Street Art Festival and Xetoto Arts Festival. Musical concerts and other public gatherings also attract young people from different communities.
These events provide opportunities to celebrate heritage, support local businesses and promote tourism. However, public safety and the protection of minors should remain central to their planning and organisation.
Traditional authorities, festival committees, local assemblies, the police, NACOC, parents and community organisations can work together to promote responsible entertainment and discourage smoking and illicit drug use among young people.
Such collaboration should combine education and prevention with the fair enforcement of applicable laws. It should also distinguish between verified incidents and unconfirmed reports to avoid unfairly accusing individuals or stigmatising particular groups.
Conclusion
Protecting Ghana’s youth from the harmful effects of smoking and illicit drug use requires sustained cooperation among families, traditional leaders, entertainers, event organisers, regulators and law enforcement agencies.
Authorities and event organisers should review their safety arrangements, strengthen public education, enforce applicable age restrictions and establish clear procedures for reporting suspected drug-related offences.
Festivals and concerts should remain platforms for cultural preservation, creativity, tourism and economic opportunity rather than environments in which harmful substance use becomes associated with popularity or social acceptance.
Ultimately, safeguarding young people requires more warnings and occasional enforcement exercises. It calls for consistent education, responsible role modelling, appropriate supervision and accessible support for those at risk.
Ghana’s future depends on the opportunities provided to its young people and the collective commitment to protecting their health, dignity and potential.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Benjamin Mensah