The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has partnered with the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) to launch a nationwide baseline survey on drug use, aimed at gathering credible data to guide policy formulation and targeted interventions.
The collaboration was announced following a management meeting between both institutions on Wednesday, 22 July 2026, at the Commission’s Headquarters in Accra.
Speaking at the meeting, Director-General of NACOC, Major General Maxwell Obuba Mantey, highlighted the strategic importance of the exercise, noting that scientific data remains essential for operational planning and policy development.
“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.
Major General Mantey assured UPSA of NACOC’s commitment to securing the funding and resources required for a smooth rollout.
Deputy Director-General in charge of Enforcement, Control and Elimination, Lawyer Twum-Barimah, commended UPSA for its support during the recent 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking, reaffirming NACOC’s readiness to facilitate the exercise.
Outline the scope of the study, UPSA Director of Research, Professor Alex Preko, revealed that the survey will span all 16 regions of Ghana, sampling around 18,000 individuals aged 15 to 55.
Professor Preko emphasised that the study will capture emerging drug use patterns, pledging UPSA’s expertise to deliver robust data that supports national public health and security efforts.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
