NACOC Director-General raises concerns over the rise in synthetic drugs

The Director-General of the National Narcotic Commission (NACOC), Brig. Gen. Maxwell Mantey, has expressed concern over the growing abuse of synthetic drugs in Ghana.

Addressing students, ministers, traditional leaders and invited guests at an event held to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, he noted that the fight against drug abuse remains a national priority, citing recent figures that points to the scale of the challenge.

He disclosed that between 2025 and April 2026, the Commission recorded 217 arrests, secured 165 prosecutions, and seized more than 8.5 tonnes of narcotic drugs linked to organised crime.

He added that 25.3 million tramadol tablets were intercepted in 2025 alone, while 20.1 million tablets had already been seized within the first four months of 2026.

He explained that if the 45.4 million tramadol tablets recovered within the sixteen-month period were shared among Ghanaians, they would amount to enough opioid doses for every man, woman and child.

He further noted that, Ghana is increasingly confronted with synthetic drugs and other substances that are more addictive and more difficult for law enforcement agencies to detect.

Touching on treatment and rehabilitation, the Director-General said enforcement alone cannot solve the problem. He revealed that in 2025, 1,179 individuals received treatment and counselling through 30 treatment centres across the country.

Data from the centres showed that 50.5 per cent of the cases were cannabis-related, 16.1 per cent involved cocaine, 14.9 per cent were alcohol-related, while 4.6 per cent were linked to opioid use.

Brig. Gen. Mantey urged students to stay away from drugs and choose positive role models. Referring to a recent video involving suspected drug use by students at Central University, he said such incidents should serve as a lesson to young people rather than something to imitate.

He encouraged students to focus on their education and avoid decisions that could destroy their future.

He stressed that the country’s response to drug abuse must keep pace with the changing nature of the problem, stating, “Old problems have not been solved, new ones are multiplying, and our response must evolve faster than the threats,” he said.