The Chief of Staff at the Office of the President, Mr Julius Debrah, is expected to spearhead a high-level national dialogue on drug trafficking and substance abuse on Friday, June 26, 2026, as Ghana intensifies efforts to combat emerging narcotics threats.
The dialogue, organised by the Narcotics Control Commission (NCC) under the theme, “Emerging Trends, Emerging Threats: Confronting Trafficking, Abuse and Illicit Supply in a Changing World,” will bring together key stakeholders from the security services, government institutions, civil society organisations and international partners.
According to the NCC, the participation of the Chief of Staff reflects the government’s determination to tackle drug trafficking and abuse as a major national security concern.
Officials of the Commission indicated that the event would provide a platform for stakeholders to assess evolving drug trafficking patterns and develop coordinated responses to safeguard the country.
The dialogue is expected to focus on three major areas of concern: the growing use of technology and encrypted communication by traffickers, the increasing abuse of narcotic substances among the youth, and the expansion of illicit supply networks operating within and across national borders.
Participants will also examine the impact of new psychoactive substances and the changing dynamics of the global drug trade on Ghana’s security and public health systems.
Representatives from the Ghana Police Service, Ghana Immigration Service, the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority, the Ministry of Health and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) are expected to contribute to panel discussions.
Collective response
Sources close to the programme say Mr Debrah is expected to outline government measures aimed at strengthening prevention, treatment and rehabilitation programmes while deepening collaboration among state institutions involved in the fight against narcotics.
The NCC has recently intensified public education campaigns and enforcement operations, leading to the interception of several consignments of illicit drugs at ports and border entry points.
Health professionals participating in the dialogue are also expected to advocate increased investment in rehabilitation facilities and mental health services to support persons battling substance dependence.
The event forms part of activities marking the United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, observed globally on June 26 each year.
Stakeholders believe the dialogue will help shape a more comprehensive national response to the growing threat posed by drug trafficking and substance abuse.
