The Government of Ghana has taken a bold step in tackling the growing threat of substance abuse and illicit drug trade in the country. Interior Minister Muntaka Mubarak has directed the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) to immediately operationalize the Substance Use Disorder Rehabilitation Fund, a critical provision under Section 22 of the 2020 NACOC Act.
The Minister made the announcement during the passing-out ceremony of 186 cadet officers of NACOC at the Ghana Navy Leadership Training School in Tema. Addressing the newly commissioned officers, Minister Mubarak emphasized that the rising incidence of drug use and trafficking in Ghana is not only a public health crisis but also a national security threat that must be met with urgency and seriousness.
“We must strengthen our preventive programmes, enhance rehabilitation efforts, and deepen international cooperation to tackle this menace at its roots,” he stated.
The Substance Use Disorder Rehabilitation Fund is designed to:
Support the establishment and operation of rehabilitation centers across the country.
Finance research into substance abuse and addiction treatment.
Enhance national capacity to rehabilitate victims of drug dependency.
Promote public education and awareness campaigns on drug prevention and recovery.
Minister Mubarak also announced his personal pledge to contribute seed capital to kick-start the fund, while calling on individuals, businesses, and civil society organizations to contribute as part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR).
“Government is fully aware of the challenges you face, and we are taking concrete steps to address them,” he assured the officers.
In addition to prevention and rehabilitation, the Interior Minister called for enhanced intelligence sharing and collaboration between NACOC and other local and international security agencies. He noted that the global drug trade has become increasingly sophisticated, and Ghana must step up its enforcement capabilities to match.
“The drug trade is a complex and evolving threat, and it is only through unity that we can stay ahead of those who engage in this illicit business,” he said.
The 186 newly commissioned officers, part of Cadet Course 8, underwent six and a half months of intensive training, covering: Drug pharmacology, Document fraud detection, Passenger profiling and Surveillance and intelligence operations.
These officers are now expected to lead efforts in cracking down on drug trafficking networks, identifying high-risk individuals and transit points, and contributing to national education and outreach programmes.
The graduation ceremony featured impressive parade drills and tactical displays, with musical support from the Ghana Navy Regimental Band. Awards were presented to outstanding cadets for excellence in academics, leadership, and physical training.
Prominent personalities in attendance included: Rear Admiral Godwin Livinus Bessing, Chief of Naval Staff, Brigadier General Maxwell Mantey, Director General of NACOC, Doreen Annan, Chief Director of the Interior Ministry, Senior members of the Ghana Armed Forces and other security services, Proud family members and well-wishers.
Minister Mubarak concluded by encouraging the officers to approach their work with integrity, professionalism, and a deep sense of national service. He reaffirmed government’s ongoing commitment to:
Improve officer welfare
Expand training opportunities
Provide logistical and operational resources
Enforce existing drug laws with greater rigour
The operationalization of the Substance Use Disorder Rehabilitation Fund is seen as a landmark move to reposition Ghana’s fight against drug abuse and addiction — addressing not just enforcement, but the root causes and societal impacts of substance use.