The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has warned that misinformation about cannabis is encouraging dangerous attitudes towards drug use among young people and called for stronger public education to counter such misconceptions.
The Director-General of NACOC, Major General Maxwell Obuba Mantey, said the growing perception that cannabis was harmless because it was derived from a plant could expose young people to its potential effects on the brain and cognitive functions.
He made the remarks while addressing students and young people from all 16 regions at the National Youth Conference held at the Great Hall of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi.
Major Gen. Mantey said one of the most common misconceptions among young people was that cannabis was naturally safe because it originated from a plant.
He cautioned students against relying on popular narratives, particularly those circulated through social media, when making decisions about substance use.
“The fact that cannabis is a plant does not mean that it cannot affect you. It affects the brain, your memory and your ability to make sound decisions,” he stressed.
According to him, cannabis use could affect important cognitive functions, including memory, judgment and decision-making.
He also rejected claims that cannabis could enhance intelligence or improve intellectual performance, saying such perceptions could encourage experimentation and regular use among young people.
Major Gen. Mantey said misinformation was particularly concerning because young people could be influenced by peers and unverified claims on social media before fully understanding the potential consequences of substance use.
He therefore urged students to question drug-related claims and seek information from credible and scientifically supported sources.
Beyond immediate effects
The NACOC Director-General said the consequences of substance abuse could extend beyond the immediate effects of intoxication.
He said drug use could negatively affect young people’s education, relationships, productivity and future opportunities.
Given the importance of young people to Ghana’s future, he said, protecting them from substance abuse required a collective effort involving families, schools, religious bodies, civil society organisations, law enforcement agencies and the youth themselves.
Major Gen. Mantey said NACOC would continue to intensify education and prevention programmes aimed at giving young people the knowledge and skills required to make responsible decisions.
He encouraged students to become advocates for drug-free lifestyles by sharing accurate information with their peers and communities.
He also urged young people facing substance-use challenges to seek appropriate support and guidance rather than allowing peer pressure or misinformation to dictate their choices.
NACOC seeks stronger youth engagement
The Director-General said the fight against drug abuse could not be left solely to security and law enforcement agencies, stressing the need for broader participation from communities and institutions.
He reaffirmed NACOC’s commitment to working with stakeholders to build a generation that was better informed about the risks associated with narcotic substances.
The National Youth Conference provided a platform for young people from across Ghana to engage directly with NACOC officials and discuss drug-related concerns, including misconceptions surrounding cannabis and other narcotic substances.
The gathering also offered an opportunity to promote stronger drug education and prevention strategies as part of efforts to safeguard the wellbeing and future prospects of Ghana’s youth.
