NACOC reveals 1,179 Ghanaians received treatment for drug use in 2025

The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) in Ghana reported that 1,179 individuals received treatment for drug use disorders in 2025, highlighting the pressing need for enhanced prevention, education, and rehabilitation efforts. Director-General Major General Maxwell Obuba Mantey emphasized that combating substance abuse requires a collaborative approach involving families, schools, communities, and state institutions.

Speaking at KNUST's International Youth Day celebration, Mantey stressed that tackling drug use necessitates more than enforcement, with early intervention and support systems crucial for those struggling with substance use. Data reveals that 88.5% of those who received treatment were aged between 20 and 44 years old, underscoring the significant impact of substance use on Ghana's working-age population.

The NACOC Director-General also pointed to the rising misuse of opioids in certain communities, describing it as a concerning trend that demands urgent, coordinated action. He advocated for a balanced strategy that integrates law enforcement, education, treatment, and rehabilitation to effectively address the drug-use problem. A 2025 University of Ghana study revealed that 10% of drug users began using before age 15, while 54% started before turning 19, further emphasizing the importance of early prevention measures.