Prez. Mahama warns youth against drug abuse, calls for community crackdown

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May 18, 2026

President John Dramani Mahama has urged young people to stay away from illegal drugs and support efforts to combat substance abuse, which he says is becoming a growing concern in many communities across the country.
The President appealed to the youth to volunteer information to security agencies on individuals involved in the sale and trafficking of illicit substances, stressing that protecting the younger generation must become a shared national responsibility.
He also called on traditional authorities to work closely with the Ghana Police Service and other law enforcement bodies to identify and dismantle drug distribution networks operating within their communities.
Speaking on government’s recent anti-drug operations, Mr. Mahama disclosed that he held a high-level meeting with the Narcotics Control Commission, Customs officials and the Police to strengthen enforcement against the importation of illegal drugs into the country.
According to him, the intensified crackdown has already led to the interception of several large consignments of illicit substances allegedly smuggled into Ghana through shipping containers.
The President revealed that authorities uncovered organised distribution channels that supplied the drugs to various parts of the country.
He added that several confiscated containers carrying illegal substances have since been destroyed by the authorities.
Mr. Mahama, however, warned that traffickers are increasingly changing their methods by smuggling smaller quantities through neighbouring countries, but assured that government would continue working to prevent drugs from reaching young people and communities.