Abstract:
This research set out to investigate substance abuse by women in Pungu in the
Kassena-Nankana Municipality of Ghana and its implications on their socio-economic
lives. The study used the qualitative research approach and phenomenological design.
The snowball sampling technique was used to collect data from twenty-two (22)
respondents. The data collection tools were the interview guide, observation and focus
group discussions. The data was then analysed thematically. The study findings
indicated that poverty, lack of social support, the availability of prohibited
substances were the main causes of substance abuse. The findings further revealed
that the usage of substances had severe impacts on women’s income-generating
activities and household responsibilities. The study also revealed that the respondents
had very little knowledge of services that they could access to help them stop their
addiction. The study recommended for the strengthening and enforcement of
legislations on the sale and use of substances that impinged on the social and
economic lives of people. At the community level, the study recommended that
traditional rulers should explore opportunities such as annual festivals and radio
programmes to campaign against substance abuse whilst using taboos to sanction
people who promote the use of banned substances in their communities.
Description:
A thesis in the Department of Social Studies,
Faculty of Social Science, submitted to the school of
Graduate Studies in partial fulfilment
of the requirements for the award of the degree of
Master of Philosophy
(Social Studies)
in the University of Education, Winneba
