The seminar on the prevention of drug problems in West Africa reported in this document was part of a multidisciplinary program on this theme implemented by Unesco in Ghana and Senegal since 1986, with the financial support of the United Nations Fund for Drug Abuse Control. As part of the program, an epidemiological survey was conducted among the 15 to 24 year-old group in the two countries. The survey identified the substances used, the mechanisms of consumption, and factors likely to encourage the use of drugs. Based on the results of the surveys and the problems encountered, the seminar undertook to review the multidisciplinary project as a whole, in order to see what results had been obtained, compare experiences, and examine the possibility of further action in the future, including the extent to which the project might be extended to other West African nations. This document first presents a summary of the seminar discussions, focussing on the following issues: problems in carrying out the surveys, general principles concerning drug abuse problems, the merits of drug prevention experiments in schools in Ghana and Senegal, preventive action out of schools, linking epidemiological research with preventive action, and possible ways to extend the interdisciplinary program. Next, a variety of proposals are offered by participants for further research, intersectoral cooperation, education in and out of school, prevention, coordination of activities, extending activities to other countries, and information exchange. A list of participants is included. (TE)