The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has intensified efforts to address the growing challenge of substance abuse among young people by seeking stronger collaboration with the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) to enhance public sensitisation and awareness across the country.
As part of preparations for the 2026 World Drug Day commemoration, the Director-General of NACOC, Brigadier General Maxwell Obuba Mantey, accompanied by his deputy and members of the Commission’s management team, paid a courtesy call on the leadership of the Ghana Journalists Association at the International Press Centre in Accra on Wednesday, June 10, 2026.
The visit was aimed at officially inviting the GJA to participate in this year’s World Drug Day activities, which will be observed under the theme: “World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses.”
It also provided an opportunity for both institutions to discuss ways of strengthening collaboration in the fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.
Addressing the meeting, Brig. Gen. Mantey outlined NACOC’s preparations for the annual event and underscored the critical role of the media in protecting the health, safety and future of Ghana’s youth through sustained public education on the dangers of drug abuse.
He expressed concern over the increasing incidence of substance abuse among students, noting that many young people engage in the practice without fully understanding its harmful consequences.
“My worry is the increasing substance abuse among students. What is even more worrying is that most of them do not know why they abuse these drugs,” he said.
The Director-General highlighted NACOC’s ongoing educational outreach programmes in schools, faith-based organisations, workplaces and other organised groups nationwide, aimed at preventing drug abuse and promoting healthy lifestyles.
He reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to enforcing the law against drug traffickers and other offenders.
“We will not relent in carrying out our mandate as a Commission. We will continue to arrest and prosecute those who traffic these dangerous substances, thereby endangering the security, health and future of our youth,” Brig. Gen. Mantey stressed.
Responding, the President of the Ghana Journalists Association, Mr. Albert Dwumfour, acknowledged the growing threat posed by substance abuse, particularly among students in some second-cycle institutions across the country.
He assured NACOC of the Association’s support in raising awareness and promoting responsible reporting on drug-related issues.
“I can assure you that, together with my leadership, we will assist you in bringing the substance abuse menace to the barest minimum in the country,” Mr. Dwumfour stated.
The NACOC delegation included the Deputy Director-General in charge of Enforcement, Control and Elimination, Lawyer Alexander Twum-Barimah, and other members of the Commission’s management team.
The engagement reflects NACOC’s commitment to building strategic partnerships with key stakeholders as part of a comprehensive national response to substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.
