A young girl, believed to be between the ages of 13 and 15, was on Thursday found unconscious along the Batanis road near OLA Senior High School in Ho.
The girl, who was discovered in a comatose state, was rushed by the National Ambulance Service to the Ho Teaching Hospital, where she is currently receiving medical attention.
Medical officials at the facility confirmed traces of diazepam detected in her system, which they suspected may have contributed to her collapse.
A health officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said, “Her condition remains critical, but we are doing everything possible to stabilise her. The presence of diazepam in her blood raises serious concerns about how it got there.”
A Pharmacist, who begged for anonymity told the Ghana News Agency, that Diazepam which is sold under the brand name Valium, among others, is a medicine of the benzodiazepine family that acts as an anxiolytic.
“It is used to treat a range of conditions, including anxiety, seizures, alcohol withdrawal syndrome, muscle spasms, insomnia, and restless legs syndrome,” he added.
The girl bore an inscription on her left hand with the name “Princess,” which is believed to be her first name.
Authorities appealed to relatives, guardians, or anyone who may know the girl to urgently contact the Ho Teaching Hospital.
A resident who witnessed the rescue described the situation as “worrying,” stressing that “it is heartbreaking to see young girls in such conditions.”
The National Ambulance Service, which responded swiftly to the emergency call, had also called on the public to remain vigilant and report similar incidents to help protect children in the community.
They further urged parents and guardians to be mindful of the movements and welfare of their children, especially teenagers, who may be exposed to harmful substances.
Meanwhile, members of the public with any information about the girl known as “Princess” are being urged to immediately alert the Ho Teaching Hospital or the nearest police station.