THE EFFECT OF ALCOHOLISM AMONG THE YOUTH OF ZONGO COMMUNITY OF WA IN THE UPPER WEST REGION OF GHANA

There are many adverse consequences of drinking alcohol during youth age. However, there seems to be paucity of studies on alcohol usage among the youths in Ghana in general and Zongo Community youths in Wa Municipality in the Upper West Region of Ghana in particular. This research seeks to bridge this knowledge gap by determining the effects of alcoholism on the youth of Zongo Community in Wa of the Upper West Region of Ghana. The youth from Zongo Community were selected from the Wa Municipality. The sample consisted of 100 participants who were randomly sampled. The data gathering tool was a 41 item questionnaire containing both open and close-ended questions. The data was analysis in percentages and findings were presented in the form of tables, pie charts and bar charts. The study revealed a high rate of alcohol consumption among youths of Wa Zongo community. The study also revealed that males consume more alcohol as compared to females. It was also found that peer influence, family history of alcohol use and stress are the major causes of alcohol use among youth of Zongo Community in the Wa Municipality. The study recommends for ‘Alcohol Anonymous’ groups to be formed in Wa Zongo Community as well as policies to control the sale and use of alcohol among youth of Zongo Community in the Wa Municipality of Ghana