NACOC warns youth against cannabis myths, says it can impair memory and decision-making

Major General Maxwell Obuba Mantey, the Director-General of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), has warned Ghanaian youth against misleading beliefs about cannabis. Speaking at the National Youth Conference held at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Major Gen. Mantey emphasized that cannabis, despite being plant-based, can impair cognitive functions like memory, judgment, and decision-making.

He debunked the myth that a plant origin inherently makes a substance safe, stressing that cannabis can still negatively affect the brain. The Director-General also addressed claims that cannabis can enhance users' intelligence, asserting that such misconceptions can entice young people to experiment with the drug. He urged young people to critically evaluate information about drugs, relying on reliable scientific data before deciding to use substances.

The NACOC Director-General highlighted the consequences of drug use, which can influence education, relationships, productivity, and future opportunities. He emphasized the importance of equipping young people with accurate information to make informed decisions. Major Gen. Mantey called on attendees to become advocates for drug-free lifestyles by disseminating correct information to their peers and communities.

He called for broader involvement from parents, teachers, schools, religious organizations, civil society groups, and young people in the fight against drug abuse. The National Youth Conference aimed to engage young people from all over Ghana with NACOC, tackling false beliefs surrounding narcotic substances. Major Gen. Mantey pledged NACOC's commitment to ongoing public education and prevention initiatives to curb drug abuse, particularly among the youth.