Former President John Dramani Mahama has called for a more unified national effort to combat drug abuse. He urged traditional leaders to play a significant role in uncovering and disrupting the groups that supply illegal drugs. Mahama highlighted the need for communities to lead this fight, supported by law enforcement, to tackle the growing problem.
Speaking to the Northern Regional House of Chiefs on May 15, 2026, President Mahama encouraged collaboration. He advised chiefs to work with youth groups and the Ghana Police Service. This partnership aims to create local task forces. These groups would focus on breaking the chains through which drugs reach communities.
The former president stated that mental health issues related to drug abuse can no longer be ignored. "Mental health can no longer remain a neglected area of public policy," he said. He stressed that drug users should be seen as victims. They are exploited by those who profit from their addiction. Beating drug users is not the solution, Mahama explained.
Mahama pointed out that the real problem lies with the distributors. These individuals often operate within communities. They distribute large amounts of drugs, like tramadol, to young people. "They take delivery of bulk supplies of tramadol, and they sell them to our children," he noted. Identifying and removing these distributors is crucial for public health.
He reiterated that success depends on both enforcement and community participation. Chiefs are vital in protecting the youth and safeguarding public well-being. "We must identify these people and root them out so that we can stop the supply of these drugs within traditional areas," Mahama declared. This approach emphasizes accountability within traditional structures.
Drug abuse is a significant public health challenge in Ghana. Over GHS 300 million is estimated to be spent annually on treating mental health conditions, many linked to substance abuse. Tramadol, a strong painkiller, has become a drug of abuse, particularly among young men. Its easy availability and high dosage versions make it a serious concern for law enforcement and public health officials.
The fight against illicit drugs requires sustained effort from various sectors. Authorities have previously seized large quantities of tramadol. In 2023, the Narcotics Control Commission reported confiscating over 500,000 tramadol tablets in Accra. This highlights the scale of the problem and the continuous efforts to curb it.
Mahama's call emphasizes a shift towards empowering local governance structures. Traditional leaders hold significant influence in their communities. Their involvement could increase public awareness and tip-offs to authorities. This community-driven approach, combined with targeted law enforcement, could offer a more effective strategy.
The implications of this call are significant for local governance. Chiefs are now tasked with a more direct role in public safety and health. This could lead to increased community policing initiatives. It also shifts the focus of intervention towards supply reduction, a key strategy in combating drug epidemics globally.