NACOC Warns of Student-Led Drug Trafficking and Rising Substance Abuse in Ghanaian Schools

The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has issued a stern warning regarding an alarming shift in drug-related activities within Ghana's educational institutions, revealing that students are increasingly transitioning from consumers to active distributors. According to Alexander Twum-Barimah, the Deputy Director-General of NACOC, tertiary students are now openly selling cannabis-infused products on campus. This alert follows the recent arrest of five students from Central University who were caught producing and retailing various cannabis-laced goods, including ice cream, sobolo, and traditional egg-and-pepper snacks. Twum-Barimah expressed deep concern that students are now leading the supply chain rather than being mere victims of external traffickers.

The trend of substance abuse extends into Senior High Schools (SHS), where officials have linked the rise in illicit drug use to growing indiscipline and the influence of digital platforms. Samuel Yebua, the NACOC Ashanti Regional Commander, highlighted that social media, particularly TikTok, has played a significant role in normalizing drug use among the youth. He noted that this spike in substance abuse often manifests as direct confrontations with school authorities and a general breakdown of order within academic environments. The sophistication of packaging—disguising narcotics as common snacks—makes detection increasingly difficult for school administrators.

In response to these developments, NACOC has intensified its outreach and capacity-building initiatives. The Commission recently organized seminars for guidance counselors and teachers to equip them with the necessary skills to identify and manage students struggling with addiction. These training sessions focus on early detection and the provision of structured support systems within schools. Officials emphasize that while enforcement is necessary, the primary strategy must involve comprehensive public education and robust collaboration between the commission and educational institutions.

As the country prepares for World Drug Day in 2026, NACOC is calling for increased resources to bolster its nationwide campaign. The commission is advocating for a shift toward treatment and rehabilitation for affected students, alongside stricter monitoring of campus commercial activities. The overarching goal is to dismantle the internal distribution networks operated by students and provide a pathway for recovery for those caught in the cycle of addiction, ensuring that educational environments remain safe and conducive for learning.