Sabon Zango: A 14-year-old boy, consumed by guilt, could no longer look his teacher in the eye. His punctuality dropped, and when present, he avoided confrontation. Suspicious glances from his peers made him feel unwelcome, forcing him to abandon school. Mallama Saudatu Mohammed, a weekend schoolteacher at Markazul Fuhum Islamic School, was devastated when she discovered that the boy she had nurtured for six years had succumbed to illicit drugs. ‘He was shy when we met initially, but after some time, he would greet me, and I would tell him to take care of himself,’ she said. He was not the first of her students lost to drug abuse in Sabon Zango, and he would not be the last.

According to Ghana News Agency, drug abuse is a growing menace in Sabon Zango, a predominantly Muslim community in the Nmemmette electoral area of the Ablekuma Central Municipal Assembly. The century-old settlement, the oldest Zongo in Greater Accra, has produced influential personalities, including Mrs. Samira Bawumia and Assistant Commissioner of Police Husein Abdur Rahim Husein. In recent years, illicit drug trade has surged, with unlicensed chemical shops operating under the guise of provision stores. Drugs normally restricted to prescriptions are easily accessible, and hidden ‘bunkers’ serve as gathering spots for addicts.

Dangerous substances like heroin, crack cocaine, marijuana (‘wee’ or ‘devil’s tobacco’), tramadol, codeine cough syrups, and the potent 225 tablet (‘RED’) are widely abused. Mixing tramadol and codeine with energy drinks or alcohol leads to severe side effects, including slow breathing and overdose risks. The trend threatens life expectancy in a community that rarely investigates medical causes of death due to religious beliefs. ‘Apart from damaging your liver, kidney, and heart, drug abuse will cost you a lot medically. It affects your brain, and that is where addiction sets in,’ warned Abdul Rahim Salisu Ango, a clinical psychologist at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital.

A group of young men and women, backed by the community chief Alhaji Yahya Hamisu Baako, launched a campaign against drug abuse. What began as a Ramadan outreach evolved into targeted raids on shops and bunkers, leading to property destruction and drug and weapon seizures. The initiative has gained national attention. On May 8, 2025, Interior Minister Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak visited the community to support the cause. He donated funds and promised to recruit qualified youth from the campaign into security services.

Data from the Narcotics Control Commission highlights the rising drug problem. In 2020, authorities seized 8,704 kilograms (kg) of illicit drugs, increasing to 15,458 kg in 2021. The figure surged in 2022, with 59,900 kg confiscated. Over three years, more than 84,000 kg of illicit drugs were seized, reflecting both intensified efforts and growing trade.

The campaign against drug abuse faces internal conflicts and inexperienced members. ‘Some are there for personal gain. Some leak information, causing conflict internally,’ said Usman Muhsin Barko, a web developer and volunteer campaigner. Despite obstacles, the community remains determined to win the fight. Alhaji Sarauta revealed plans to establish a watchdog to tackle drug peddling and street begging, alongside a rehabilitation centre for addicts. ‘The end goal is to reintegrate them into society. They are our brothers. We love them. I have an uncle who is affected,’ he said. Despite setbacks, Sabon Zango is committed to securing a drug-free future for the next generation.