By Edward Dankwah
Accra, June 27, GNA – Mr. Julius Debrah, Chief of Staff, has assured that the Government of Ghana will relentlessly pursue drug traffickers and criminal networks seeking to undermine Ghana’s future through illicit drug trade and substance abuse.
He said the government would not allow criminal enterprises to endanger communities, destroy the potential of young people, and compromise national security through drug trafficking activities.
The Chief of Staff was speaking at the International Day Against Drug Abuse And Illicit Trafficking (World Drug Day) 2026, on the theme, “The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses, in Accra.”
Mr. Debrah noted that drug abuse and illicit trafficking were no longer issues confined to policy discussions, but had become a growing threat affecting homes, schools, workplaces, and communities across the country.
He said many families continued to struggle with the devastating impact of addiction, while teachers and parents were witnessing promising young people lose their future to substance abuse.
He stated that the global drug problem had evolved into a major public health, development, and security challenge, stressing that drug abuse weakens families, reduces productivity, and places many young people on dangerous paths that limit their opportunities and aspirations.
The Chief of Staff emphasized that Ghana’s greatest national asset remained its people, particularly the youth, and therefore safeguarding them from the menace of drugs must remain a national priority.
“Every young person lost to addiction represents talent that could have contributed to national development,” he added.
Mr. Debrah stressed that the government remained committed to a balanced approach that combines prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, recovery, and law enforcement.
He said security and intelligence agencies were continuously working to identify, disrupt, and dismantle criminal syndicates involved in illicit drug trafficking.
Mr. Debrah said organized criminal groups were becoming increasingly sophisticated by exploiting technology and operating across borders, adding that Ghana’s response must therefore be intelligence-driven, coordinated, and innovative.
“The government of Ghana will not allow criminal enterprises to undermine our communities, endanger our youth, and compromise our national security. It will not happen under the watch of President Mahama,” he stressed.
He further indicated that while the government would be uncompromising in dealing with traffickers and criminal organizations, it would also show compassion towards persons battling addiction, describing them as victims who deserved treatment, rehabilitation, and reintegration support.
Mr. Debrah underscored the importance of prevention, stating that the most effective intervention was preventing young people from becoming involved in drugs in the first place.
He called on parents, teachers, traditional and religious leaders, civil society organizations, and government institutions to work collectively in protecting the youth from substance abuse.
The Chief of Staff noted that creating opportunities for young people through education, skills training, and employment remained one of the strongest tools in reducing vulnerability to drugs and criminal influence.
He added that Ghana’s fight against illicit drugs also required stronger international cooperation due to the transnational nature of drug trafficking networks.
Mr. Debrah urged students to guard their future carefully and avoid drugs, while encouraging persons struggling with addiction to seek help and support.
He reaffirmed the government’s determination to protect communities and secure a future where every Ghanaian youth could fulfill their potential free from the threat of drugs and criminality.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Odeng Adade