The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has engaged the National House of Chiefs in a strategic effort to curb the growing drug abuse menace, particularly among the country's youth.

During a meeting with the Standing Committee of the National House of Chiefs on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, the Director-General of NACOC, Brigadier General Maxwell Obuba Mantey, called for urgent collective action to address the rising crisis.

Alarm Over Youth and Cannabis Abuse

Brig Gen Mantey detailed NACOC’s achievements over the past year, outlining key arrests, raids, and successful prosecutions aimed at disrupting drug trafficking networks. However, he delivered a stark warning regarding the future of the nation.

“The drug menace continues to rise and as a country, we need to collectively tackle it, or else we will lose our future generation to drugs,” Mantey stated.

The Director-General disclosed that the majority of individuals abusing drugs in Ghana fall within the 20 to 29-year age bracket, a trend he described as deeply troubling for national development and social stability. He further revealed that cannabis remains the most commonly abused substance in the country.

Traditional Leaders Urged to Take the Frontline

To combat the crisis, the NACOC boss appealed to traditional leaders to leverage their influence through early reporting, intelligence sharing, and public education.

“We appeal to our esteemed chiefs to use festivals, durbars, and all other traditional gatherings for anti-drug campaigns and awareness,” he added.

Brig Gen Mantey also used the occasion to officially invite the National House of Chiefs to this year’s World Drug Day commemoration, scheduled for June 26, 2026, at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA).

Chiefs and Media Called to Action

In response, the President of the National House of Chiefs, Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, commended NACOC for its efforts and pledged the full support of traditional authorities nationwide to protect young people from substance abuse.

Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II also called on the media to play a more proactive role by dedicating airtime to sustained drug education and awareness programmes, describing public education as critical to winning the battle.