Kumasi: Major General Maxwell Obuba Mantey, the Director-General of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), has cautioned young people against popular misconceptions about cannabis, stressing that its plant-based origin does not make it harmless or incapable of affecting the brain. He emphasized that cannabis use comes with significant consequences, particularly for cognitive functions such as memory, judgment, and decision-making.
According to Ghana News Agency, Major Gen. Mantey addressed students and young people from all 16 regions of Ghana at the National Youth Conference, held at the Great Hall of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi. He highlighted a persistent myth among the youth: the belief that because cannabis is obtained from a plant, it is naturally safe and does not pose serious risks to users.
Major Gen. Mantey urged the youth to reject such misconceptions and rely on credible scientific information when making decisions about substance use. He stressed, 'The fact that cannabis is a plant does not mean that it cannot affect you. It affects the brain, your memory, and your ability to make sound decisions.'
He refuted the perception among some young people that cannabis could make them smarter or improve their intellectual abilities. Instead, he pointed out that the substance could negatively affect cognitive functions and impair a person's capacity to make appropriate decisions. The Director-General noted that these misconceptions are particularly dangerous as they could encourage experimentation and lead to regular use, influenced by peers or social media.
Major Gen. Mantey highlighted the importance of protecting the younger generation from substance abuse, noting their significant role in Ghana's future. He encouraged students to critically examine drug-related claims and avoid accepting popular narratives without scrutiny.
He emphasized that substance use could have consequences beyond immediate intoxication, potentially impacting education, relationships, productivity, and future opportunities. The Commission plans to intensify public education and prevention programs to empower young people with the knowledge and skills needed to resist drug abuse.
The Director-General called on students to become ambassadors of drug-free lifestyles by sharing accurate information with their peers and communities. He stressed that combating drug abuse requires collaborative efforts from law enforcement, parents, teachers, educational institutions, religious bodies, civil society organizations, and the youth themselves.
He urged the youth to seek help and guidance when facing substance-use challenges, rather than letting misconceptions or peer pressure dictate their choices. Major Gen. Mantey reaffirmed the Commission's commitment to working with stakeholders to create a well-informed generation capable of making healthy and responsible decisions.
The National Youth Conference provided a platform for direct engagement between NACOC and young people from across the country, facilitating discussions on drug-related issues and challenging misconceptions about narcotic substances. The event brought together young people from across Ghana, fostering a national dialogue on the need for effective drug education and prevention.