Back to Latest Briefings

July 24, 2026
AI-Enhanced
NACOC partners UPSA for nationwide survey on drug use
Money
Policy
Opportunity
Growth
Key Points
- The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has partnered with the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) to conduct a nationwide baseline survey on drug use.
- The survey aims to generate reliable data to guide policy formulation, prevention strategies, and evidence-based interventions in Ghana.
- It will be conducted across all 16 regions, involving approximately 18,000 respondents aged 15 to 55.
- NACOC has committed to mobilising the necessary resources and funding, while UPSA will contribute its research expertise.
- The initiative seeks to provide credible scientific data to strengthen Ghana's response to drug-related challenges and their socio-economic and public health impacts.
Why This Matters
This partnership is crucial for Ghana as it addresses a significant gap in reliable, nationwide data on drug use. By providing evidence-based insights, it will enable the government to formulate more effective and targeted policies and interventions, ultimately improving public health, safety, and societal stability across the country.
Read Full Article
View original sourceRelated Articles
July 24, 2026
Police warn against violence ahead of Tema Homowo Festival
- Tema Regional Police Command has warned against violence and peace disturbance during the Homowo Festival.
- Individuals involved in chieftaincy disputes, landguard activities, and student conflicts are specifically cautioned against using the festival to foment trouble.
- Comprehensive security measures, including police deployment across Tema Metropolis, have been put in place.
- Police are concerned about recurring tensions associated with the festival, particularly disputes over who has the traditional authority to sprinkle 'kpokpoi'.
- The Command assures firm action against anyone engaging in criminal activities or disorderly conduct under the guise of celebration.
July 24, 2026
Kumasi Anglican SHS wins NACOC Ashanti poetry competition on drug abuse
- The Ashanti Regional Command of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) organized a poetry competition for Drug Free Clubs in nine Senior High Schools.
- The event was part of the 2026 World Drug Day celebration and aimed to raise awareness about drug abuse among students.
- Held under the theme "Drug Abuse, Causes and Effects," students performed original or selected poems highlighting the dangers of substance abuse.
- NACOC encouraged participants to become ambassadors, promoting positive life choices and educating peers on the importance of rejecting illicit drugs.
- Kumasi Anglican Senior High School emerged winners, receiving trophies and cash prizes along with other top-performing schools and individual participants.
July 23, 2026
Oil tops $100 a barrel as Red Sea attacks fuel supply fears
- Global oil prices surged, with Brent crude exceeding $100 a barrel, following attacks on Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea.
- Iran-backed Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for the attacks, escalating fears of conflict expansion beyond the Strait of Hormuz.
- The Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a vital shipping route for 12-15% of global trade and millions of barrels of crude oil daily, is now threatened.
- Oil prices have risen sharply (35% this month, 60% this year), leading to higher fuel prices and renewed inflation concerns globally.
- The escalation highlights significant risks to global energy supplies and the stability of key maritime trade routes.

