President John Dramani Mahama and the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) have urged the youth of Ghana to abstain from drugs. According to the President and the Commission, doing drugs would ruin the lives of the youth who are the future of the nation.
The President and NACOC gave the admonishment on Friday, June 26, 2026, at this year’s World Drug Day, commemorated in Accra at a colourful, yet educative event. A short video message from the President, who was represented by the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, emphasised the cost of drug abuse to families.
“I speak directly to our young people. Your future is too bright to be dimmed by illicit drugs. I urge you to choose a healthy, productive, and fulfilling life,” he said.
REFLECTION
The theme for the 2026 World Drug Day was “World Drug Problem: Persistent Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses”.
Addressing the gathering, the Director-General of NACOC, Brigadier General Maxwell Obuba Mantey, noted that the theme called “on all of us not only to reflect on the evolving nature of the global drug challenges”. He added that the theme also called on all to renew the shared commitment to confronting it with resolve and creativity.
SHADOW
The D-G highlighted that the illicit drug trade thrives in the shadows of vulnerability, exploits weak systems, preys on impressionable minds, and profits from human suffering.
He remarked that its impacts extend far beyond the statistics of seizures and arrests, as they are felt in broken families, unrealised dreams, and communities burdened by insecurity and despair.
Acknowledging that in the case of Ghana, this challenge demands unwavering vigilance, he called for much determination to safeguard the safety, well-being, and moral integrity of our society, especially as the economy of the nation expands and the global connections deepen.
The Minister for the Interior, Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka, affirmed the ministry’s firm commitment “to strengthening the institutions entrusted with protecting our nation from the threats posed by illicit activities and to secure a safer, healthier future for our nation.”
Giving his address, the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, commended the work of the security services.
He noted that the security and intelligence agencies continue to work diligently to identify, disrupt, and dismantle criminal networks involved in illicit drug trafficking, adding that “their work is very essential, and we commend them for it.”
Organised criminal groups, the Chief of Staff stressed, are becoming increasingly sophisticated, exploiting technology, operating across borders, and constantly adapting their methods.
“Our response must, therefore, be equally innovative, intelligence-driven, and coordinated. Let us be very clear on that. The government of Ghana will not allow criminal enterprises to undermine our communities, endanger our youth, and compromise our national security.”
RECORD
Brigadier General Maxwell Obuba Mantey, in his address, chronicled the achievement of NACOC since this administration took office.
According to him, “Under this administration, district operational commands have expanded from fewer than 10 to 77 nationwide, covering all 16 regions in the country. Approximately, we have received 27 operational vehicles for field deployments. A 100-acre parcel of land has been secured at Akwemu Traditional Area for the establishment of a dedicated NARCO-training school.”
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