NACOC calls for collective action against youth drug abuse at Benkum SHS fundraising event

Brigadier General Maxwell Obuba Mantey, Director-General of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), has emphasised that combating the rising threat of drug abuse among Ghanaian youth requires the active involvement of all stakeholders, schools, families, traditional authorities, alumni, and private partners.

Speaking at the Benkum Senior High School Reunion and Fundraising Event in Akuapem Larteh, Brig Gen Mantey highlighted the need for an integrated ecosystem of protection. The event aimed to raise funds for a state-of-the-art sports and fitness complex to nurture mentally sharp, physically fit, and emotionally resilient future leaders.

He warned that substances such as tramadol, Red 225, synthetic opioids, cannabis, and other new psychoactive substances are increasingly endangering the youth. NACOC has intensified education and prevention programs across schools and communities to curb the indiscriminate use of hard drugs.

Brig Gen Mantey encouraged students to be the first line of defence against drug abuse, reminding them that prevention is more cost-effective and sustainable than rehabilitation. He urged them to remain focused on their education to protect their minds, ambitions, and future contributions to society.

“We must treat the hard drug abuse menace among the youth as a public-private partnership, transforming the narrative into sustainable youth empowerment,” he said.

The occasion was also attended by Mr David Owusu, Chairman of the Event, who encouraged students to avoid nefarious activities and focus on achieving academic excellence, and Mr Alexander Twum-Barimah, Deputy Director-General of NACOC in charge of Enforcement, Control, and Elimination.

This event underscores NACOC’s commitment to collaborative preventive action, combining education, community engagement, and student empowerment to tackle the drug menace in Ghana.