In an attempt to curb the abuse of Tramadol in the country, a Non-Governmental Organization known as the Passion for Total Care a psychosocial medical and mental health rehabilitation centre has taken giant steps to educate the youth in the Upper East region about the danger associated with the drug.

Under the supervision of the Deputy Director of Nursing Services, Mr Avadetsi Emmanuel Richard and Mental Health staffs, the team embarked on a week-long campaign in the Bawku Municipality in the Upper East Region to grant intensive health education programme on negative effects of Tramadol abuse on the individual among Junior High School (J.H.S).

The campaign commenced on the 14th – 22nd of May 2018 and the Mental Health Staffs visited notable schools in the municipality which included Bawku Presbyterian J.H.S, Winamzua Cluster of schools, Methodist J.H.S, Kpalwega J.H.S, Watania J.H.S, among others

The abuse of the popular pain-relieving drug, tramadol, is on the rise in Ghana with high doses of 250 and 300 milligrams being sold at drinking spots and other unauthorized places.

A total number of over 2,500 students and 55 teachers benefitted from the health talks.

Mr. Avadetsi Emmanuel Richard who also doubles as the C.E.O of Passion for Total Care (PTC), a Mental Health N.G.O’s Rehabilitation Center at Basyonde in the Garu – Tempane District has encouraged victims of Tramadol Addiction to either report to the Mental Health unit of the Bawku Presbyterian Hospital or P.T.C Rehabilitation Center at Basyonde for treatment.

Meanwhile, the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) in partnership with Narcotics Control Board and Pharmacy Council have already engaged stakeholders on combating Tramadol abuse and illicit drugs in Upper West Regional capital, Wa.

The Agencies entrusted to fight illegal drugs and drug abuse in the region decried the growing abuse of Tramadol, the medicine meant for relieving moderate body pain, but has now found to have been misused widely by the youth for other unapproved purposes.