By Ashiadey Dotse
The Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare Addo, says new research has shown that 43.6 per cent of young people who engage in gambling suffer depression as a result of betting. He said this during a media briefing on the State of the Youth in Accra.
Speaking during the State of the Youth Address Accra on Wednesday November 5, 2025, the minister indicated that gambling has become one of the major contributors to rising mental health cases among young people.
He noted that many young people are struggling with pressure from academics, social media, uncertainty about careers and other rapid changes in society, and this is pushing them towards betting as an escape route.
Mr. Opare Addo also warned that substance abuse among teenagers remains a serious threat. He revealed that 26 per cent of first-time drug users are between 14 and 15 years old, while 41 per cent are between ages 16 and 17.
He stressed that early drug exposure affects memory, learning, emotional control and judgment, and could lead to poor academic performance, school dropout, addiction, depression and unemployment.
The Minister added that alcoholic drinks and other substances are easily available in schools, making the situation more dangerous. He called for stronger counselling services and more national collaboration to protect young people.
He said the government, through his ministry, will work with stakeholders to implement a national strategy to address youth mental health, gambling, substance abuse and other emerging risks.
He urged families, schools and communities to support young people and help them overcome these challenges.
