Narcotics Control Commission

𝐍𝐀𝐂𝐎𝐂 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐬 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐋𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐓𝐰𝐨 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐞𝐬

The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has presented the first sets of cannabis cultivation licences to two companies after successfully meeting all the legal and regulatory requirements.

Presenting the licences, the Director-General, Major General Maxwell Obuba Mantey, urged the companies to strictly comply with all the conditions attached to their licences.

He stressed that the licences are solely for the cultivation of cannabis containing not more than 0.3% THC for approved industrial, medicinal and research purposes.

Major General Obuba Mantey emphasized that recreational cannabis remains illegal in Ghana and warned that any person or entity cultivating cannabis without a valid licence, or outside the legal THC threshold, will be dealt with in accordance with the law.

He noted that the regulated cannabis industry has the potential to create employment opportunities for the country’s youth while supporting scientific research, innovation and the development of medicinal products.

The two companies are MG Adom Limited and Juliopta limited

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𝐍𝐀𝐂𝐎𝐂-𝐆𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐚 𝐍𝐚𝐯𝐲 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐭𝐨 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐛𝐚𝐭 𝐃𝐫𝐮𝐠 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠

The Director-General of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), Major General Maxwell Obuba Mantey, has reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to deepening its collaboration with the Ghana Navy to strengthen the fight against illicit drug trafficking and substance abuse.

He made the remarks during a courtesy call on the Chief of the Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Godwin Bessing, at the Naval Headquarters on Tuesday July 28, 2026.

The meeting focused on enhancing inter-agency cooperation, intelligence sharing, operational support and capacity building to effectively address the evolving drug threat.

Major General Mantey expressed his sincere appreciation to the Ghana Navy for its unwavering support to NACOC over the years, particularly in joint operations aimed at disrupting drug trafficking networks.

“The drug trade has become increasingly dynamic, with traffickers exploiting both land and maritime routes. The Ghana Navy possesses the operational capacity and expertise required to secure our territorial waters, making your partnership invaluable in our collective efforts,” he stated.

The Director-General noted that one of his key priorities is to build NACOC into a highly professional institution comparable to the Ghana Armed Forces, through continuous training, discipline and operational excellence.

He further expressed concern over the growing impact of substance abuse on Ghana’s youth, describing it as one of the country’s most pressing social challenges.

“The greatest tragedy of the illicit drug trade is that it targets our young people. The cost of treating substance use disorders is enormous, and many families cannot afford rehabilitation. Yet, government rehabilitation facilities remain limited. In many cases, parents are unable to detect early signs of drug abuse until it becomes a serious problem,” he said.

Major General Mantey appealed for continued support from the Ghana Navy in the training of NACOC personnel, particularly in maritime operations, noting that although the Commission is working to acquire modern operational assets, it will continue to rely on the Navy’s expertise and facilities to build the capacity of its officers.

He also disclosed that NACOC is advocating for expanded drug testing across both public and private institutions as part of broader preventive measures to discourage drug use among young people.

Receiving the delegation, the Chief of the Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Godwin Bessing, reiterated the Ghana Navy’s commitment to supporting NACOC in tackling drug trafficking and abuse.

He expressed concern over emerging trends in substance abuse, particularly the increasing practice of lacing cannabis with edible products, describing the situation as a national security concern that requires urgent and coordinated action.

Rear Admiral Godwin Bessing stressed that addressing the drug menace must begin at its source, noting that traffickers continue to exploit numerous routes, especially maritime corridors.

“Successful interdiction depends heavily on timely intelligence. We must strengthen intelligence gathering and collaboration if we are to effectively intercept illicit drug trafficking,” he stated.

The Naval Chief assured NACOC of the Navy’s continued support in training and human capacity development, emphasising that protecting Ghana’s youth from the dangers of drug abuse requires a collective national effort.

He also disclosed that the Ghana Navy will acquire two new ships and additional command vehicles to enhance maritime surveillance and operations. The vessels, including the Navy’s flagship and largest ships, will be strategically deployed to strengthen maritime security and help counter illicit activities, including drug trafficking along Ghana’s coastline.

Rear Admiral Godwin Bessing called for greater collaboration among state institutions, urging stakeholders to pool their resources and expertise to achieve a common goal.

“Let us put the little resources we have together to achieve our shared objective of protecting our country and safeguarding the future of our young people,” he said.

The meeting reaffirmed the longstanding partnership between NACOC and the Ghana Navy and underscored the shared commitment of both institutions to strengthening national security through enhanced collaboration in the fight against drug trafficking and substance abuse.

𝐍𝐀𝐂𝐎𝐂 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐙𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐅𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐱 𝐭𝐨 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐃𝐫𝐮𝐠-𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐲𝐥𝐞 𝐀𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡

The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has engaged renowned Ghanaian blogger and media personality Zion Felix to explore strategic collaboration aimed at promoting a drug-free lifestyle among young people across the country.

The meeting, held at the Commission's Headquarters, was led by the Deputy Director-General in charge of Enforcement, Control and Elimination, Lawyer Alexander Twum-Barimah, who underscored the vital role of social media influencers and digital content creators in shaping attitudes and behaviours among the youth.

He called on Zion Felix to leverage his wide reach and influence to amplify NACOC's public education campaigns and prevention initiatives, stressing that collective efforts are essential to protecting young people from the dangers of substance abuse and promoting healthy, responsible lifestyles.

Lawyer Twum-Barimah noted that prevention remains one of the most effective tools in addressing drug abuse and encouraged stronger partnerships with media personalities who can communicate positive messages in ways that resonate with young audiences.

Zion Felix welcomed the initiative and expressed his readiness to support the Commission's mission by using his platforms to educate the public, especially the youth, on the harmful effects of drug abuse and the importance of making informed, healthy choices.

The meeting was attended by the Acting Director of Drug Demand Reduction, PNCO Ernestina Adjei; the Director of Intelligence, Felix Agariga; and the Head of the Public Affairs Department.

Zionfelix Entertainment News

𝐁𝐨𝐧𝐨 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐲 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐚 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐥

The Bono Regional Command as part of its community engagement strategy paid a courtesy call on the traditional leadership of the Chiraa Traditional Council in the Sunyani West Municipal.

The visit sought to formally introduce the Regional and Municipal Commanders to the Traditional Council and to seek a collaborative approach in addressing the rising incidence of illicit drug use among the youth in the Chiraa Community.

The delegation led by the Bono Regional Commander, PNCO Ernest Owusu Sarpong on Tuesday June, 30, 2016, where he appealed to Nananom to support the Commission to tackle the prevailing effects of drug abuse menace among the youth.

PNCO Ernest Owusu Sarpong who outlined the mandate of the Commission also gave a background analysis of the devastating effect of drug abuse across the country and urged the traditional leadership to join the campaign to curb the menace.

Nana Kwadwo Agyei Darko, the Sompahene of the Chiraa Traditional Council, on behalf of the council assured the Command of their commitment to address the issue relating to drug abuse and trafficking in the area.

The Regional Commander was accompanied by NCO Fidelia Alo Yamusah, Commander of the Sunyani West Municipal Command, and other Officers.

Ashanti Regional Command Organises Poetry Competition for Drug Free Clubs in SHS

The Ashanti Regional Command has organized a poetry competition for Drug Free Clubs in nine (9) Senior High Schools across the region.

The event which took place on Friday July 10, 2026 forms part of the post launch activities of the 2026 World Drug Day celebration.

The competition which was on the theme "Drug Abuse, Causes and Effects" was used to test the knowledge of members of the clubs on the drug menace and its related challenges.

It also provided opportunity for the poetry reciters to educate their colleagues on the dangers of drug abuse and the need to maintain healthy lifestyles.

The participating Schools were Adventist Senior High School, Islamic Senior High School, Anglican Senior High School, Yaa Asantewaa Girls Senior High School, Prempeh College, KNUST Senior High School, Kumasi Technical Institute, St. Louis Senior High School and Armed Forces Senior High Technical School.

The club from each participating school presented one or more students as poetry reciters who either did a solo or duet recitations of poems either written by themselves or other people.

In his opening address, the Regional Commander, PNCO Samuel Yeboah emphasized that the fight against drug abuse is a collective responsibility and requires the active participation of schools, parents, communities, and students.

He encouraged the participants to become ambassadors of the Commission by educating their peers against drug abuse and stressing on the need to make positive choices.

The students delivered inspiring and thought-provoking performances that highlighted the physical, psychological, social, and economic effects of drug abuse.

Their recitations called on young people to reject drugs and focus on their education, discipline, and personal development.

The contestants were assessed by the judges based on their memorization, clarity of speech, pronunciation, expression, stage presence, confidence, and interpretation of the poems.

At the end of the competition, Kumasi Anglican Senior High School won the competition with the first runner-up and second runner-up being the Armed Forces Senior High Technical School and Prempeh College respectively.

The poetry reciters received a medals and exercise books and certificates, with the three schools which came top in the competition received trophies and cash prizes in recognition of their excellent performances.

Teachers and guests commended the initiative, describing it as an effective and creative way of engaging students in discussions about drug abuse. They expressed hope that the messages shared throughout the poem recitations would inspire students to make informed decisions and also influence their peers to stay away from illicit drugs.

The event concluded with a renewed commitment from participating schools and the Narcotics Control Commission to continue collaborating on educational programmes that promote drug abuse prevention, healthy living, and responsible citizenship among young people.

𝐍𝐀𝐂𝐎𝐂 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐔𝐏𝐒𝐀 𝐭𝐨 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐲 𝐨𝐧 𝐃𝐫𝐮𝐠 𝐔𝐬𝐞

The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has entered into a strategic partnership with the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) to undertake a nationwide baseline survey on drug use aimed at generating reliable data to inform policy formulation, prevention strategies, and evidence-based interventions.

The partnership was announced during a meeting between the management of NACOC and UPSA held on Wednesday, 22 July 2026, at the Commission's Headquarters in Accra.
Speaking at the meeting, the Director-General of NACOC, Major General Maxwell Obuba Mantey, underscored the significance of the baseline survey, describing it as a critical 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 said.
The Director-General further assured UPSA of NACOC's commitment to mobilising the necessary resources and funding to ensure the successful implementation of the survey.

The Deputy Director-General in charge of Enforcement, Control and Elimination, Lawyer Twum-Barimah, expressed appreciation to 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 ex*****on 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 sixteen regions of Ghana and will involve a sample size of approximately 18,000 respondents aged between 15 and 55 years.

According to Professor Preko, the study is intended to generate comprehensive national data on drug use patterns and emerging trends to support research, policy development, and targeted interventions.

He noted that UPSA is committed to contributing its expertise to the initiative and working closely with NACOC to produce quality data that will strengthen Ghana's efforts to reduce drug abuse and its associated socio-economic and public health consequences.

The partnership forms part of NACOC's broader strategy to strengthen research, evidence generation, and multi-sectoral collaboration in addressing the country's evolving drug situation through data-driven policies and interventions.

University of Professional Studies, Accra

𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐫𝐚 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐆𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬

The Greater Accra Regional Command as part of the 2026 World Drugs Day Commenoration, held a capacity-building workshop for Guidance and Counselling Coordinators from selected Senior High, Technical and Vocational Schools in the region.

The objective for the exercise was mainly to strengthen School-Based Prevention through Counsellor Capacity Building.

It was targeted at recognizing the critical role of school counsellors in early intervention of peraons with Substance Use Disorders.

The initiative forms part of NACOC’s focus of reaching out the larger Ghanaian population by equipping focal point officers mainly in the pre-tertiary institutions.

Participants were equipped with practical knowledge to identify early warning signs of substance use, provide basic support, and make appropriate referrals.

Participants were also encouraged to inaugurate a Drug-Free Clubs Initiative, a peer-led prevention programme currently being implemented in selected schools.

The Counsellors on their part, expressed enthusiasm for expanding the initiative to more schools as an effective strategy for promoting healthy lifestyles and preventing substance abuse.

𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐫𝐮𝐠 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐬 𝐄𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐑𝐚𝐩𝐢𝐝𝐥𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲 — 𝐃𝐆 𝐍𝐀𝐂𝐎𝐂

The Director-General of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), Major General Maxwell Obuba Mantey, has warned that global drug trafficking networks are becoming increasingly sophisticated, exploiting technology and cyberspace to expand their illicit operations across borders.

Delivering the opening remarks at the Africa–South Asia Inter-Regional Workshop on “Strengthening Cooperation Against New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) and Synthetic Opioid Trafficking”, currently underway at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel in Accra, the Director-General noted that criminal organisations are taking advantage of vulnerabilities within countries to strengthen their operations.

“Ghana is experiencing a trend where these criminal networks are using cyberspace to trade in narcotics,” he stated, stressing the urgent need for stronger regional and international cooperation to counter the evolving threat.

Major General Mantey called on participating countries to deepen collaboration through the timely exchange of intelligence, best practices and coordinated enforcement efforts to dismantle transnational drug trafficking networks operating within Africa and South Asia.
The Ghana Law Enforcement advisor for the US Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, Mr. Chip Duncan in his remarks also said “the world is facing a drug threat that is moving faster than ever before”. Adding that “traditionally, we dealt with plant-based drugs that followed predictable patterns. Today, we face a synthetic revolution”.

“Over 1,200 New psychoactive substances (NPS) have been identified globally. These are chemicals designed to mimic illegal drugs while evading current laws”. Mr. Duncan noted
He added that West Africa is already the world’s largest market for diverted tramadol, with over 180 tons seized every year. More alarming is the recent detection of nitazens, a synthetic opioid that can be 40 times stronger than he**in.
These substances, according to him “don’t just fuel crime, they kill your citizens and devastate your communities “.
He further stressed that criminal networks are highly organized and tech-savvy as they use maritime and air corridors to link South-Asia, particularly India and Sri Lanka to East and West Africa which creates a global trafficking chain that exploits weak points, limited lab capacities, outdated laws and porous borders.

The four-day workshop brings together experts and law enforcement agencies from across the two regions to strengthen partnerships, enhance real-time intelligence sharing and exchange experiences in addressing the growing threat posed by New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) and synthetic opioids.

The workshop is sponsored by the US Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) and being facilitated in collaboration with the International Narcotics Control Board (NCB) with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), and the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) Ghana.

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𝐍𝐀𝐂𝐎𝐂 𝐇𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐩 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚–𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐬𝐢𝐚 𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐀𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭 𝐄𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐫𝐮𝐠 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐬

The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has reaffirmed Ghana's commitment to strengthening international cooperation in the global fight against illicit drug trafficking and substance abuse.

The Commission, as part of measures is set to host a high-level Africa–South Asia Inter-Regional Workshop, aimed at Strengthening Cooperation Against New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) and Synthetic Opioid Trafficking in Accra.

The four-day workshop, which begins tomorrow, is being facilitated by the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB), under its Global Rapid Interdiction of Dangerous Substances (GRIDS) Programme in collaboration with NACOC.

The event seeks to bring together experts from 10 countries across Africa and South-Asia to enhance operational cooperation, intelligence sharing and technical capacities in addressing the growing threat posed by new psychoactive substances and synthetic opioids.

The Director-General of NACOC, Major General Maxwell Obuba Mantey, gave this assurance when he hosted a delegation from the INCB at the Commission's Headquarters on Monday July 20, 2026, where the team lauded Ghana's leadership and commitment to collaborative efforts in combating drug trafficking and substance abuse.

He noted that the evolving nature of organised crime demands stronger international partnerships, stressing that drug trafficking networks are increasingly exploiting online platforms, encrypted communications and social media to facilitate illicit activities.

"This programme demonstrates the confidence the international community has in the work Ghana is doing through collaboration in combating drug abuse and trafficking," the Director-General stated.

Major General Mantey emphasised that no country can effectively address the global drug problem in isolation, making intelligence exchange and coordinated operations indispensable.

"It is imperative that we continue to share information and intelligence on how each country is responding to drug abuse and trafficking.

As traffickers constantly exchange information on how to evade law enforcement, it is equally incumbent upon us to strengthen our cooperation and intelligence sharing to stay ahead of them."
He assured the INCB and participating countries of NACOC's full commitment to the success of the workshop.

"We are pleased to fully participate in this programme and will provide every necessary support to ensure its success.

Our collaboration should not end with this meeting but continue to grow through sustained partnerships and operational cooperation."

Representatives of the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) explained that the workshop will provide a platform for participating countries to share operational experiences, discuss significant drug trafficking cases and major seizures, strengthen intelligence-sharing mechanisms, and enhance cross-border investigations.

The programme will also feature technical discussions on intelligence exchange, practical case meetings including a dedicated session with India and expert-led exercises aimed at improving investigative techniques and disrupting transnational criminal networks involved in synthetic drugs and new psychoactive substances.

The workshop is expected to deepen cooperation between Africa and South Asia by fostering stronger operational partnerships, promoting best practices in law enforcement, and enhancing coordinated responses to emerging drug trafficking trends.

NACOC, through its collaboration with the INCB and international partners, continues to reinforce Ghana's position as a key contributor to regional and global efforts to combat illicit drug trafficking while promoting a safer and healthier society.

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𝐀𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐢 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐬 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐃𝐫𝐮𝐠 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐎𝐮𝐭𝐝𝐨𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐠𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐲𝐜𝐥𝐞 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬

The Ashanti Regional Command as part of the 2026 World Drug Day celebration educated commercial tricycle and motor bike riders on the legal consequences of transporting Illicit drugs.

The exercise which took place at the Kumasi Central Mosque had the Ashanti Regional Commander, PNCO Samuel Yeboah, together with his team sensitizing participants on the serious side effects of drug abuse on their health and their businesses.

The exercise was mainly targeted at the riders following intelligence gathered by the Commission on the rampage abuse of drug usage by the youth in the region especially riders.

It was also based on the premises that most of the riders are often used by drug traffickers as innocent conyer belts to transport narcotic drugs from bus terminals to their final destinations.

The outreach had over fifty (50) riders being sensitized with educational flyers being distributed to them

The Regional Commander of NACOC, PNCO Samuel Yeboah indicated that the Commission was concerned about the growing situation of drug abuse and trafficking in the region with riders becoming a major source of avenue for such act, hence the outreach directed towards them.

He also warned that anyone found transporting narcotic substances could face severe legal consequences.