NACOC and GJA Partner to Combat Rising Substance Abuse and Drug Trafficking Among Ghanaian Youth

The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has initiated a strategic partnership with the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) to intensify the national campaign against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking. During a formal visit to the International Press Centre in Accra on June 10, 2026, NACOC Director-General Brigadier General Maxwell Obuba Mantey emphasized the urgent need for a collaborative approach to safeguard the health of the nation's youth. This alliance aims to leverage the power of the media to drive public education and provide accurate information regarding the devastating consequences of drug use, particularly as the country prepares for the upcoming World Drug Day.

Brigadier General Mantey expressed deep concern over the escalating rates of substance abuse within schools and local communities. He noted that many students are increasingly being lured into drug experimentation because they lack adequate awareness of the physiological and legal risks involved. To counter this, NACOC is ramping up its educational outreach across various sectors. The Commission’s strategy focuses on shifting the narrative from purely punitive measures to a balanced approach that prioritizes prevention through knowledge and community engagement, while maintaining strict enforcement of narcotics laws.

Responding to the call for action, GJA President Albert Dwumfour pledged the Association’s full support for the initiative. He highlighted the media’s indispensable role as a public watchdog and educator, committing to promote responsible journalism when reporting on drug-related issues. Dwumfour noted that the partnership would involve fostering a culture of accurate reporting that avoids sensationalism, aiming instead to minimize substance abuse through informed discourse. Both organizations agreed that a united front is necessary to address the evolving drug landscape in Ghana, which includes the emergence of new substances and more sophisticated trafficking methods.

This collaboration marks a significant step in Ghana’s public health strategy, aligning law enforcement with social advocacy. By integrating NACOC’s enforcement capabilities with the GJA’s communication reach, the initiative seeks to foster a drug-free environment that supports the healthy development of the next generation. Moving forward, the two bodies plan to implement joint awareness programs and workshops to ensure that the message of drug prevention and the promotion of healthy lifestyles reaches every corner of the country.