Accra: The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has partnered with the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) to conduct a comprehensive national baseline survey on drug use. The initiative aims to generate reliable data to inform policy formulation, prevention strategies, and evidence-based interventions.
According to Ghana News Agency, the partnership was announced during a meeting between NACOC and UPSA's management at the Commission's Headquarters in Accra. Major General Maxwell Obuba Mantey, the Director-General of NACOC, highlighted the survey's importance, stating that it would provide the Commission with credible scientific data to enhance operational planning and guide the development of effective drug control policies and programs.
Major General Mantey emphasized that the survey's findings would support informed decision-making and the development of scientifically grounded solutions to address drug use and related challenges in Ghana. He reassured UPSA of NACOC's commitment to mobilizing the necessary resources and funding for the survey's successful implementation.
Mr. Alexander Twum-Barimah, the Deputy Director-General in charge of Enforcement, Control, and Elimination, expressed gratitude to UPSA for its 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 institutional support for the national survey.
Professor Alex Preko, the Director of Research at UPSA, provided an overview of the project, explaining that the survey would cover all sixteen regions of Ghana with a sample size of approximately 18,000 respondents aged between 15 and 55 years. He stated that the study aims to generate comprehensive national data on drug use patterns and emerging trends to aid research, policy development, and targeted interventions.
Professor Preko noted UPSA's commitment to contributing its expertise to the initiative and collaborating closely with NACOC to produce quality data that would strengthen Ghana's efforts to reduce drug abuse and its socio-economic and public health consequences. The partnership is part of NACOC's broader strategy to enhance research, evidence generation, and multi-sectoral collaboration in addressing the country's evolving drug situation through data-driven policies and interventions.
Source: Ghana News Agency