The Private Newspapers and Online News Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG) has entered into a renewed partnership with the Narcotic Control Commission (NACOC) aimed at strengthening media collaboration in the national campaign against drug abuse and illicit trafficking.
During a courtesy call on the Director-General of NACOC, Brigadier-General Maxwell Obuba Mantey, on Monday, October 20, 2025, PRINPAG executives discussed strategies to enhance public education and advocacy through the media as part of broader national efforts to curb drug-related crimes.
Brigadier-General Mantey commended PRINPAG for its commitment to supporting the Commission’s work, describing the media as a vital ally in the ongoing campaign against substance abuse, particularly among the youth.
“We acknowledge the critical role of the media in shaping public attitudes and behaviours,” he said. “Drug use among the youth is eroding the country’s future, and we must work together to tackle this challenge head-on.”
He expressed concern about the growing use of synthetic drugs in Ghana, attributing the trend partly to poor parenting and the influence of social media. Brig Gen Mantey reaffirmed NACOC’s resolve to strictly enforce the law, irrespective of social standing, and called on media organisations to intensify public education on the dangers of drug abuse.
As part of the collaboration, the NACOC Director-General revealed that the Commission, in partnership with the Ghana Standards Authority, would soon roll out training programmes for journalists on emerging issues, including new cannabis regulations currently under consideration in Parliament. The initiative aims to enhance journalists’ understanding of narcotics legislation and promote responsible, fact-based reporting.
PRINPAG President, Mr. David Tamakloe, who led the Association’s delegation, reiterated the media group’s commitment to using its platforms to support NACOC’s mission through investigative and educational journalism.
“As editors and news publishers, we see first-hand what is happening in our communities. We are deeply concerned about the increasing rate of drug use and its effects on young people,” Mr. Tamakloe said. “This partnership will enable us to report more accurately and support public education efforts to prevent substance abuse.”
He also emphasized PRINPAG’s interest in building the capacity of its members to better understand drug-related and public health issues, noting that NACOC’s technical support would be invaluable in this regard.
NACOC’s Public Affairs Officer, Nana Osei Nkwantabisa I, welcomed the partnership and pledged the Commission’s commitment to creating a structured framework for collaboration with the media to ensure transparency and effective public outreach.
The two institutions agreed to deepen their engagement and explore practical initiatives to promote public awareness, ethical reporting, and nationwide advocacy in the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking.
