By Alex Baah Boadi, GNA
Adeimbra (WN/R), June 29, GNA – The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) office in the Western North Region has raised concerns over the increasing trend of drugs and other illicit substance abuse among the youth within the region.
Mr Dennis Adutwum-Gyimah, Principal Narcotics Control Officer, speaking at an event to mark this year’s International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, said these acts among the youth had become a major issue within the region which needed urgent attention.
He said: “These realities call for urgent and coordinated action, and we at the Commission remain committed to enforcing the laws governing narcotic and psychotropic substances.”
Mr Adutwum-Gyimah, however, emphasised that the most effective weapon against drug abuse remained prevention which, he added must begin in homes, schools, workplaces and communities.
He, therefore, urged parents to maintain open communication with their children, teachers and counsellors to help identify vulnerable students early.
The Principal Narcotics Control Officer also tasked traditional and religious leaders to continue using their influence to shape positive values, while urging community members to report drug related activities, saying criminal networks thrived when communities remained silent.
He said: “As a commission, we are grateful for the strong collaboration we continue to enjoy with the Food and Drug Authority, the Ghana Education Service, security agencies, the Regional Coordinating Council and the various Assemblies.
“These partnerships have greatly strengthened our prevention and enforcement efforts, and we look forward to expand them even further.”
Mr Adutwum-Gyimah also called on all to join the fight against drug abuse, adding that the commission alone could not win the fight.
The twelve-day awareness campaign saw the commission organising school campaigns, sensitisation programmes, educational sessions, and community engagement among others.
The climax brought together other security agencies such as Police, Immigration, and Fire Service.
Some participants in an interview with the Ghana News Agency lauded the programme and called on all stakeholders to help the fight against drug abuse in the Western North Region.
GNA
Edited by Justina Hilda Paaga/ Christabel Addo
June 29, 2026
Reporter Alex Baah Boadi
Email: [email protected]