The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has announced a staggering figure of 1,179 individuals receiving treatment for substance use disorders in Ghana during 2025, representing a significant increase compared to previous years. This represents a crucial moment for addressing the escalating challenge of drug use within the nation’s population. The Director-General of NACOC, Major General Maxwell Obuba Mantey, highlighted the need for a multifaceted approach, emphasizing the crucial role of families, schools, communities, and state institutions in preventing and early intervention.
The Commission stated that 88.5% of those receiving treatment were between the ages of 20 and 44, a demographic particularly vulnerable to the detrimental effects of substance use. This data underscores the significant impact of substance use on individuals’ productive years, highlighting a concerning trend.
Speaking at the International Youth Day celebration at KNUST, Major General Mantey underscored the urgency of strengthening support systems. He stressed that prevention must begin early, with young people receiving accurate information about the dangers of drug use before they develop substance use disorders. He called for a collaborative effort among families, schools, communities, and relevant state agencies to educate young people, identify those at risk, and ensure they receive appropriate support.
The figures represent a substantial increase in the number of individuals seeking treatment, reflecting a growing concern regarding the prevalence of opioid misuse within certain communities. Major General Obuba Mantey acknowledged the need for more proactive measures, including stronger preventive strategies and increased public education and support systems. The Commission emphasized the importance of combining law enforcement with prevention, public education, treatment, and rehabilitation to effectively tackle this complex issue.
The NACOC Director-General also revealed that a 2025 study by the University of Ghana School of Public Health found that 10% of individuals who use drugs started before the age of 15, while 54% began before turning 19. He further stated that the total number of treatment centers across the country reached 30, demonstrating a considerable commitment to addressing this issue. The figures reinforce the need for Ghana to prioritize a combination of enforcement and prevention strategies, alongside education and support, to effectively combat the drug-use problem and protect vulnerable populations.
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Source: Adom Online
