The Director-General of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), Brigadier General Obuba Mantey, has called for closer collaboration with the Ministry of Education to address the growing incidence of substance abuse among students, describing the trend as a national concern that requires a coordinated response from government institutions, schools and families.
The appeal was made during a courtesy call on the Minister for Education, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, both leaders discussed practical strategies to strengthen preventive education and protect students, particularly those in second-cycle institutions, from the dangers associated with drug and substance abuse.
“NACOC and the Education Ministry are strengthening collaboration to intensify prevention efforts and combat the growing threat of substance abuse among students while safeguarding Ghana’s youth.”
Director-General of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), Brigadier General Obuba Mantey,
Brig. Gen. Mantey was accompanied by NACOC’s Deputy Director-General in charge of Enforcement, Control and Elimination, Lawyer Twum-Barimah, as the Commission outlined ongoing interventions and proposed new initiatives aimed at creating drug-free learning environments across the country.
The meeting comes amid growing concern over increasing reports of substance abuse among young people, with education authorities and security agencies warning that the problem poses serious risks to students’ health, academic performance and long-term national development.
NACOC Seeks Stronger Institutional Collaboration
During the meeting, Brig. Gen. Mantey emphasised that effectively addressing substance abuse in schools requires sustained collaboration between the education sector and law enforcement agencies.
He noted that while NACOC continues to enforce Ghana’s narcotics laws, preventive education remains equally important in reducing the number of young people experimenting with illegal substances.
“The goal is not only to educate students on the dangers of drug abuse but also to build their confidence and capacity to resist negative influences,”
Brig. Gen. Mantey stated.
According to him, strengthening partnerships with the Ministry of Education will enable both institutions to expand awareness programmes, improve early intervention efforts and foster healthier school environments nationwide.
Awareness Campaigns Expanded Across Schools
Brig. Gen. Mantey briefed the Minister on several initiatives currently being implemented by the Commission to reduce substance abuse among students.
He disclosed that NACOC has intensified educational campaigns in senior high schools across the country to educate students on the physical, psychological and social consequences of drug abuse.
The awareness programmes, he explained, are designed to equip students with factual information that enables them to make responsible decisions while discouraging experimentation with narcotic substances.
He noted that substance abuse not only undermines students’ academic performance but also threatens their future career prospects and overall wellbeing.
According to the Director-General, the Commission believes that sustained education remains one of the most effective tools in preventing drug abuse among young people before addiction develops.
Drug-Free Clubs Building Student Resilience
One of NACOC’s flagship interventions highlighted during the meeting is the establishment of “Drug-Free Clubs” in second-cycle institutions.
Brig. Gen. Mantey explained that the clubs are intended to provide students with practical life skills that strengthen their ability to resist peer pressure and make informed decisions regarding substance use.
Beyond awareness creation, the initiative seeks to nurture leadership, self-confidence and responsible decision-making among students through peer education and mentorship activities.
He stressed that empowering students to become advocates against drug abuse within their own schools would complement the Commission’s broader national prevention strategy.
“The goal is not only to educate students on the dangers of drug abuse but also to build their confidence and capacity to resist negative influences,”
Brig. Gen. Mantey stated.
Call for Intensified Prevention
Responding to the presentation, Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu commended the leadership and management of NACOC for their sustained efforts in combating both drug trafficking and substance abuse across the country.
He acknowledged that education remains one of the most effective instruments for preventing drug abuse and called for expanded awareness campaigns to reach more schools and communities.
The Minister expressed particular concern about the increasing prevalence of substance abuse among young people, especially those within the 20 to 29-years age bracket.
He described the trend as a serious threat to Ghana’s future workforce and leadership, warning that failure to address the challenge could have long-term consequences for national development.
“As a nation, we must act decisively to protect our youth. Substance abuse among young people threatens not only their future but also the development of the country,”
Hon. Iddrisu
He further stressed that tackling the problem requires a coordinated national response involving schools, parents, policymakers, health professionals, religious bodies and law enforcement agencies.
According to the Minister, no single institution can effectively combat the growing challenge without sustained collaboration among all stakeholders.
Nationwide Seminar Planned for Teachers and Counsellors
As part of efforts to strengthen prevention within educational institutions, Brig. Gen. Mantey announced plans by NACOC to organise a nationwide seminar for career guidance coordinators and teachers.
The proposed programme will provide a platform for education stakeholders to exchange ideas on more effective strategies for preventing substance abuse within schools while strengthening guidance and counselling services.
The Director-General explained that the seminar will also equip teachers and counsellors with the skills required to identify early warning signs of substance abuse among students and provide timely support or referrals where necessary.
He expressed confidence that strengthening the capacity of frontline educators would significantly improve early detection and intervention efforts in schools.
Shared Commitment to Protecting Ghana’s Youth
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment by both institutions to deepen cooperation in safeguarding students from the harmful effects of drug abuse.
Officials agreed that sustained public education, stronger school-based interventions and enhanced collaboration between government agencies remain essential to reversing the growing trend of substance abuse among young people.
The engagement also reaffirmed the shared determination of NACOC and the Ministry of Education to promote safer learning environments and support students in making healthy and informed life choices.
As the Commission continues to expand its prevention initiatives across the country, both institutions expressed optimism that coordinated action, strengthened engagement and continuous education will play a vital role in protecting the next generation and preserving the future of Ghana’s education system.
READ ALSO: Labour Law Reforms Near Completion, Set to Strengthen Protections for Gig Workers
