The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has intensified its nationwide campaign against drug abuse with a strategic engagement with the National House of Chiefs aimed at curbing the growing menace, particularly among the youth.
At a high-level meeting held on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, with the Standing Committee of the National House of Chiefs, the Director-General of NACOC, Brigadier General Maxwell Obuba Mantey, called for urgent collective action to address the rising incidence of drug abuse across the country.
He highlighted NACOC’s recent achievements, including arrests, raids, and successful prosecutions carried out over the past year as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle drug trafficking and abuse networks.
Brig Gen Mantey also used the occasion to invite the National House of Chiefs to participate in this year’s World Drug Day, scheduled for June 26, 2026, at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA).
Delivering a stark warning, he stressed the urgent need for coordinated national action.
“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 drug users in Ghana fall within the 20 to 29-year age group, describing the trend as deeply worrying for national development, productivity, and social stability.
He also noted that cannabis remains the most commonly abused drug in the country, underscoring the need for intensified public education and awareness campaigns.
Brig Gen Mantey further called on traditional leaders to play a frontline role in the fight against drug abuse through early reporting, intelligence sharing, community sensitisation, and sustained public education.
“We appeal to our esteemed chiefs to use festivals, durbars, and all other traditional gatherings for anti-drug campaigns and awareness,” he added.
Responding to the appeal, the President of the National House of Chiefs, Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, commended NACOC for its efforts and pledged the full support of traditional authorities in tackling drug abuse 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 urged the media to play a more proactive role by dedicating airtime to drug education and awareness programmes, stressing that sustained public sensitisation is critical to winning the fight against drug abuse.
The collaboration between NACOC and the National House of Chiefs marks a renewed national push to address the growing drug crisis and safeguard the future of Ghana’s youth.
