UPSA, NACOC Push Evidence-Based Action Against Drug Abuse at 2026 Global Day Commemoration

The University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), through its Research and Consultancy Centre (RCC), has partnered the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) to mark the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking with a strong appeal for evidence-based and multi-sectoral strategies to address substance abuse among young people.

The commemoration, held on Friday, 26 June 2026, brought together government officials, security agencies, academics, students, and traditional leaders under the global theme, “The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses.”

Delivering the keynote address, NACOC Director-General Brigadier General Maxwell Obuba Mantey emphasized that drug dependence should be treated primarily as a public health concern rather than a criminal or moral issue. He called for increased investment in treatment and rehabilitation facilities, noting that stigma continues to prevent many affected individuals from seeking help.

He also urged young people to avoid experimentation with illicit substances, warning that drug use can negatively affect academic performance, health, and long-term opportunities.

As part of the programme, UPSA-RCC presented findings from a baseline study on youth substance use in the La Nkwantanang-Madina Municipality. The research, which covered 1,039 respondents aged 15 to 35 across Madina, Teiman, West Adenta, Pantang, and Oyarifa, revealed that 45.1 per cent had used substances for non-medical purposes at least once.

The study identified Madina as the most affected area, recording a lifetime prevalence rate of 73.5 per cent. It also found that Pantang recorded lower usage levels compared to the other communities. Alcohol emerged as the most commonly used substance, with 40.8 per cent of respondents reporting consumption.

Key drivers of substance use included peer pressure, stress, unemployment, curiosity, weak family support, easy access to substances, and social media influence. Alarmingly, about 84 per cent of individuals who attempted to quit were found to relapse, highlighting the need for structured rehabilitation and long-term support systems.

The study recommended targeted interventions, including designating Madina as a priority intervention zone, expanding public education, strengthening counselling services, promoting peer-refusal skills, and improving collaboration with health facilities such as Pantang Hospital.

The Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, stressed the importance of preventive education in schools, describing educational institutions as critical spaces for shaping responsible behaviour among young people.

The event was attended by the Chief of Staff, Dr Julius Debrah; Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak; officials of NACOC; security agencies; students; and other stakeholders.

UPSA and NACOC reaffirmed their commitment to research-driven policies and sustained collaboration in tackling substance abuse as a national public health and social challenge.