NACOC, UPSA Partner To Conduct Nationwide Drug Use Baseline Survey
The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) is partnering with the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) to conduct a nationwide baseline survey on drug use to generate reliable data to inform policy formulation, prevention strategies, and evidence-based interventions.
The partnership was announced on Wednesday during a meeting between the management of NACOC and UPSA in Accra.
Speaking at the meeting, the Director-General of NACOC, Major General Maxwell Obuba Mantey, underscored the significance of the survey, describing it as an initiative that will provide the Commission with credible scientific data to strengthen operational planning and guide the development of effective drug control policies and programmes.
“The importance of this baseline survey cannot be overemphasised. The findings will provide the Commission with the evidence needed to support informed decision-making, enhance our operations, and develop scientifically grounded solutions to address drug use and related challenges in Ghana,” he stated.
Major General Mantey also assured UPSA of NACOC’s commitment to mobilise the necessary resources and funding to ensure the survey’s successful implementation.
The Deputy Director-General in charge of Enforcement, Control and Elimination, Lawyer Twum-Barimah, commended UPSA for its invaluable support during the commemoration of the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking.
He welcomed the new partnership and reaffirmed the Commission’s readiness to provide the necessary institutional support to facilitate the successful execution of the national survey.
Providing an overview of the project, the Director of Research at UPSA, Professor Alex Preko, explained that the survey will be conducted across all 16 regions of Ghana and involve approximately 18,000 respondents between the ages of 15 and 55.
According to Professor Preko, the study is designed to generate comprehensive national data on drug use patterns and emerging trends to support research, policy development, and targeted interventions.
He noted that UPSA remains committed to contributing its research expertise to the initiative and working closely with NACOC to produce high-quality data that will strengthen Ghana’s efforts to reduce drug abuse and address its associated socio-economic and public health consequences.
Judith Twumwaa & Mary Olivia Cobblah, ISD
