By Edward Dankwah, GNA
Accra, July 23, GNA – The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has partnered the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) to undertake a nationwide baseline survey on drug use, aimed at generating reliable data to inform policy formulation, prevention strategies, and evidence-based interventions.
A statement issued to the Ghana News Agency said the partnership was announced during a meeting between the management of NACOC and UPSA held at the Commission’s Headquarters in Accra.
Major General Maxwell Obuba Mantey, the Director-General of NACOC, underscored the significance of the baseline survey, describing it as a critical initiative that would provide the Commission with credible scientific data to strengthen operational planning and guide the development of effective drug control policies and programmes.
“The importance of this baseline survey cannot be overemphasised. The findings will provide the Commission with the evidence needed to support informed decision-making, enhance our operations, and develop scientifically grounded solutions to address drug use and related challenges in Ghana,” he said.
The Director-General assured the UPSA of NACOC’s commitment to mobilising the necessary resources and funding to ensure the successful implementation of the survey.
Mr Alexander Twum-Barimah (Esq), the Deputy Director-General in charge of Enforcement, Control and Elimination, expressed appreciation to UPSA for its invaluable support during the commemoration of the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking.
He welcomed the new partnership and reaffirmed the Commission’s readiness to provide the necessary institutional support to facilitate the successful execution of the national survey.
Professor Alex Preko, the Director of Research at UPSA, providing an overview of the project, explained that the survey would be conducted across all sixteen regions of Ghana and would involve a sample size of approximately 18,000 respondents aged between 15 and 55 years.
He said the study was intended to generate comprehensive national data on drug use patterns and emerging trends to support research, policy development, and targeted interventions.
He noted that UPSA was committed to contributing its expertise to the initiative and working closely with NACOC to produce quality data that would strengthen Ghana’s efforts to reduce drug abuse and its associated socio-economic and public health consequences.
The partnership formed part of NACOC’s broader strategy to strengthen research, evidence generation, and multi-sectoral collaboration in addressing the country’s evolving drug situation through data-driven policies and interventions.
GNA
Edited by Christabel Addo
23 July 2026