The Narcotic Control Commission (NACOC) has backed calls for the enactment of legislation to replace incarceration of persons with substance use disorders (SUD) with effective rehabilitation.
This comes as the 2023 World Drug Report reveals that only 1 in 5 individuals with SUDs receive treatment, with approximately 39.5 million people affected globally.
Director General of NACOC, Kenneth Adu-Amanfoh, speaking at the launch of the ECOWAS pilot project on the alternatives to incarceration for Persons with SUD described the statistics as alarming and emphasised the need for a new approach.
The initiative aims to explore rehabilitation options and recognise the dignity and worth of every individual, regardless of their struggles.
According to him, 18 per cent of the global prison population, approximately 2 million people, are incarcerated for drug-related crimes, with many being low-level offenders struggling with addiction.
“The traditional approach to incarceration has proven insufficient in addressing the root causes of addiction, exacerbating rather than alleviating the problem. This is why the initiative we are embarking upon today is crucial by exploring alternatives to incarceration, we are not only demonstrating our commitments to justice and compassion to recognise the inherent dignity and work of every individual regardless of their struggles.”
“It is estimated that 18 per cent of the Global Prison Population is incarcerated for drug-related crimes, which amounts to approximately two million people worldwide. Often these people are low-level offenders who use drugs or have drug use disorders.”
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