By Edward Dankwah, GNA
Accra, June 19, GNA – The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has intensified its nationwide campaign against drug abuse by engaging the National House of Chiefs in a strategic effort to curb the growing menace, particularly among the youth.
In a significant meeting aimed at strengthening multi-stakeholder collaboration, Brigadier General Maxwell Obuba Mantey, the Director-General of NACOC, called for urgent collective action to address the alarming rise in drug abuse across the country.
A statement issued in Accra by the Commission said the Director-General highlighted NACOC’s achievements over the past year, detailing key arrests, raids, and successful prosecutions carried out by the Commission as part of ongoing efforts to disrupt drug trafficking and abuse networks.
He used the occasion to officially invite the National House of Chiefs to participate in this year’s World Drug Day, scheduled for June 26, 2026.
Brigadier Obuba Mantey stressed that Ghana risked losing an entire generation if urgent measures were not taken to confront the drug crisis.
“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 stated.
He disclosed that most people abusing drugs in Ghana fell within the 20 to 29-year age bracket, describing the trend as deeply troubling given its implications for national development, productivity, and social stability.
He further revealed that cannabis remained the most commonly abused drug in the country, underscoring the need for intensified public education and awareness campaigns.
The Director-General in his quest to call for stronger community involvement, appealed to traditional leaders to play a frontline role in combating drug abuse through early reporting, intelligence sharing, public education, and community sensitisation.
He emphasized the influence of chiefs within their communities and urged them to leverage traditional platforms to spread anti-drug messages.
“We appeal to our esteemed chiefs to use festivals, durbars, and all other traditional gatherings for anti-drug campaigns and awareness,” he added.
Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, the President of the National House of Chiefs, commended NACOC for its relentless efforts in the fight against drug abuse and pledged the full support of traditional authorities nationwide.
He reaffirmed the readiness of chiefs to partner with NACOC to protect young people from the devastating effects of substance abuse.
Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II also called on the media to become more proactive in the anti-drug campaign by dedicating airtime to drug education and awareness programmes.
He stressed that sustained public education remained critical in winning the battle against drug abuse among the youth.
“As drug abuse continues to threaten families and communities across the country, the collaboration between NACOC and the National House of Chiefs signals a renewed national resolve to confront the crisis head-on and safeguard the country’s future,” he added.
GNA
Kenneth Odeng Adade