NACOC DG Calls for Joint Action to Prevent Drug Abuse on Campuses

The Director-General of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), Major General Maxwell Obuba Mantey, has called for stronger collaboration between the Commission and educational institutions to fight drug abuse and related activities among students.

He said a coordinated approach involving law enforcement agencies, educational institutions, counsellors and students was important to protecting young people from the harmful effects of substance abuse and keeping academic environments safe.

Major General Mantey made the call when he paid a visit to engage the Management of the University of Ghana, Legon, on measures to prevent the use, distribution and sale of illicit drugs on campus.

He expressed concern about the vulnerability of young people to substance abuse, noting that drug use could have serious consequences for their health, education, future careers and the wider society.

He stressed that NACOC’s mandate went beyond the enforcement and arrest of persons involved in drug-related offences, explaining that prevention, public education, counselling and rehabilitation were equally important components of the Commission’s work.

According to him, students who were already struggling with substance use needed access to appropriate support and should be encouraged to seek professional assistance at an early stage.

He said NACOC was prepared to work with the University to intensify education on the dangers associated with substance abuse and provide students with accurate information to help them make informed decisions.

The Director-General also emphasised the need to address myths and misconceptions surrounding cannabis and other substances, saying misinformation could influence young people’s attitudes and behaviours.

He said stronger institutional collaboration was required to prevent students from being introduced to illicit drugs and to ensure that university campuses remained conducive to learning and personal development.

Major General Mantey urged students to be cautious about accepting food, sweets, drinks and other edible products from unknown persons, particularly during social events, and encouraged them to report suspected drug-related activities to the appropriate authorities.

The Director and Senior Counsellor of the University’s Careers and Counselling Directorate, Rev. Dr Mrs Bridget Ben-Naimah, expressed appreciation to NACOC for the engagement and reaffirmed the University’s commitment to maintaining a drug-free campus.

She said the University had instituted measures through its counselling structures and disciplinary mechanisms to prevent and address drug-related activities among students.

Rev. Dr Mrs Ben-Naimah disclosed that students found with evidence of involvement in drug trafficking could face severe disciplinary sanctions, including expulsion from the University and halls of residence.

She stressed that the University would continue to take a firm position against drug trafficking and other activities that could endanger students’ wellbeing and undermine the academic environment.

She emphasised the importance of collaboration with NACOC to complement the University’s internal interventions with specialised expertise in drug prevention, education and enforcement.

Judith Twumwaa, ISD