NACOC and National House of Chiefs team up to fight drug abuse in communities
The Narcotics Control Commission is joining forces with the National House of Chiefs to fight the rising cases of drug abuse in Ghana, using traditional leadership and community education as the main weapons.
The new partnership was announced at a stakeholders’ meeting in Accra, where NACOC officials and chiefs agreed that top-down enforcement alone cannot solve the drug problem. They said local communities must be involved through awareness campaigns, early intervention, and cultural values that discourage substance abuse.
NACOC Director-General said the abuse of tramadol, marijuana, and other illicit drugs is increasing among young people in both urban and rural areas. He noted that many users start at school age, and peer pressure plus unemployment make them vulnerable. “We need the chiefs and elders to speak to the youth in the language they understand. When a chief speaks against drugs in his community, the message carries weight,” he stated.
The National House of Chiefs pledged to mobilize traditional leaders nationwide. Chiefs will use community durbars, festivals, and radio to educate residents on the dangers of drug abuse. They will also work with assembly members to identify and support families affected by addiction.
Under the plan, NACOC will train chiefs and opinion leaders to recognize signs of drug abuse and guide users toward rehabilitation instead of stigma. The commission will provide educational materials in local languages and support community watch groups to report drug trafficking.
Traditional leaders say culture and values have a strong role to play. Many chiefs expressed worry that modern lifestyles and peer influence are eroding the discipline that once kept young people away from harmful substances. They believe restoring respect for elders and communal values can reduce the problem.
Health experts supporting the initiative say treatment and prevention must go hand in hand. While NACOC continues law enforcement operations, communities must create safe spaces, sports, and skills training to give youth alternatives to drug use.
Both NACOC and the House of Chiefs say the campaign will start in high-risk districts and expand nationwide. They are calling on parents, teachers, and religious leaders to join the fight so Ghana can protect the next generation from the harm of drugs.
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