The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) in the Western North Region has used this year’s International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking to renew calls for stronger community involvement in addressing increasing substance abuse among young people.
Speaking at an event held at Adiembra, Principal Narcotics Control Officer Mr Dennis Adutwum-Gyimah expressed concern over the growing use of cannabis, Tramadol, codeine-based medicines, alcohol, and a dangerous mixture of Tapentadol and Carisoprodol, popularly referred to as “Red”.
He also highlighted the rising abuse of prescription drugs, as well as inhalants such as glue and other industrial solvents, noting that the trend poses a serious public health and security challenge in the region.
Mr Adutwum-Gyimah said the situation demands urgent and coordinated intervention, stressing that while NACOC remains committed to enforcing laws on narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, enforcement alone cannot solve the problem.
“These realities call for urgent and coordinated action. The Commission remains committed to enforcing the laws governing narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, but experience has shown that enforcement alone cannot solve the problem,” he said.
He emphasised that prevention remains the most effective strategy in the fight against drug abuse and must begin at the family, school and community levels.
He called on parents to maintain open communication with their children, while urging teachers and school counsellors to identify and support vulnerable students early enough to prevent substance dependence.
Traditional and religious leaders, he said, also have a critical role to play in promoting discipline and positive values, while communities must actively report suspected drug-related activities.
“Criminal networks thrive where communities remain silent,” he cautioned.
Mr Adutwum-Gyimah commended partner institutions including the Food and Drugs Authority, Ghana Education Service, security agencies, the Regional Coordinating Council and various Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies for their collaboration in the fight against drug abuse.
He noted that such partnerships had strengthened both prevention and enforcement efforts and called for their expansion to achieve greater impact.
He further stressed that the fight against drug abuse is a shared responsibility that cannot be won by NACOC alone.
As part of activities marking the day, NACOC undertook a 12-day outreach campaign featuring school visits, community sensitisation programmes and educational engagements aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of substance abuse.
Some participants at the event praised the initiative and encouraged traditional leaders and religious organisations to intensify education and advocacy efforts to curb drug abuse in the Western North Region.
