The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has stepped up its nationwide campaign against drug abuse by engaging the National House of Chiefs in a renewed effort to combat the growing problem, particularly among young people.
At a high-level meeting with the Standing Committee of the National House of Chiefs on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, NACOC Director-General, Brigadier General Maxwell Obuba Mantey, called for a united national response to the increasing incidence of drug abuse across the country.
He outlined the Commission’s recent successes, including arrests, raids, and prosecutions carried out over the past year as part of efforts to disrupt drug trafficking and abuse networks.
Brig Gen Mantey also invited the National House of Chiefs to participate in this year’s World Drug Day celebration, which is scheduled to take place on June 26, 2026, at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA).
Expressing concern over the growing threat posed by substance abuse, he warned that urgent action was needed to protect the country’s future.
“The drug menace continues to rise, and as a country, we need to collectively tackle it, or else we will lose our future generation to drugs,” he said.
According to the NACOC Director-General, the majority of drug users in Ghana are between the ages of 20 and 29, a trend he described as alarming due to its implications for national development, productivity, and social cohesion.
He further revealed that cannabis remains the most widely abused drug in the country, highlighting the need for stronger public education and awareness initiatives.
Brig Gen Mantey urged traditional authorities to take a leading role in the fight against drug abuse by promoting early reporting, sharing intelligence, educating communities, and supporting sensitisation campaigns.
“We appeal to our esteemed chiefs to use festivals, durbars, and all other traditional gatherings for anti-drug campaigns and awareness,” he added.
Responding on behalf of the National House of Chiefs, its President, Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, praised NACOC for its efforts and pledged the support of traditional leaders in addressing the challenge.
He reaffirmed the commitment of chiefs to collaborate with NACOC in protecting young people from the harmful effects of substance abuse.
Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II also called on the media to intensify public education efforts by dedicating more airtime to drug awareness programmes, stressing that sustained sensitisation is essential to reducing drug abuse.
The partnership between NACOC and the National House of Chiefs represents a renewed national drive to confront the growing drug challenge and safeguard the well-being and future of Ghana’s youth.
Source: citinews
