Upper West Anti-Drugs Taskforce records progress in curbing illegal narcotics and unregistered tobacco since May 2025

The Anti-Drugs Taskforce in the Upper West Region has made notable strides in combating the abuse and illegal distribution of narcotics and unregistered tobacco products since its establishment in May 2025.

In July, the Taskforce intercepted five 100-kilogramme sacks of snuff traced to Tamale, with investigations ongoing. It also shut down a facility at Ullo in the Jirapa Municipality for illegally selling tramadol and other addictive substances, including morphine.

Mr Kelvin Dafaari, Spokesperson for the Taskforce and Upper West Regional Head of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), disclosed the achievements in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Wa, ahead of World Mental Health Day on October 10, 2025. He noted that the Taskforce had also seized 13 cartons of unregistered cigarettes lacking the mandatory pictorial health warnings, which are considered illegal under national regulations.

“Any cigarette that lacks pictorial warnings of the health effects is considered unregistered. We intercepted and confiscated such products,” Mr Dafaari explained, reaffirming the Taskforce’s commitment to protecting the public from the harmful effects of drug abuse. He commended the Upper West Regional Minister, Mr Charles Lwanga Puozuing, for establishing the Taskforce, which has already delivered tangible results.

Beyond enforcement, the Taskforce has intensified public sensitisation campaigns across educational institutions and communities, engaging schools such as T.I. Ahmadiyya Senior High School, Wa Islamic Senior High School, and Kaleo Secondary Technical School. Mr Dafaari said outreach efforts also targeted GPRTU and Kamboo drivers, community youth groups, and the media to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse and garner support in combating it.

However, he expressed concern over limited public cooperation in reporting drug-related activities. “People often hesitate to report drug activities because they fear harsh sanctions or exposure. I want to assure the public that any information shared with the Taskforce will be treated with utmost confidentiality,” he emphasised.

The Anti-Drugs Taskforce is a multi-agency body comprising representatives from the FDA, security agencies, Pharmacy Council, Narcotics Control Commission, and the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB). Traditional and religious leaders, including the Wa Naa and the Chief Imam, are also involved to ensure a coordinated, community-based approach to tackling drug abuse in the region.