Ghana considers mandatory drug testing for employment in public and private sectors
via GhanaWeb2 min read
Ghana's Minister of Interior, Mohammed-Mubarak Muntaka, announced that the government is considering an Executive Order to implement mandatory drug testing for all job seekers in both public and private sectors. Speaking in Parliament on June 25, 2026, the Minister stated that this policy aims to enhance workplace safety, protect institutional integrity, and deter drug use among the youth and working population. Muntaka emphasized that effective drug control requires a comprehensive national approach, integrating enforcement with prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation, rather than solely relying on law enforcement. He urged parliamentary support for measures such as increased funding for intelligence and forensic analysis, stricter regulation of chemicals and pharmaceutical products, and the establishment of rehabilitation centers in all 16 regions. The Minister also advocated for expanded drug education programs in schools, communities, and workplaces, and stressed that drug addiction should primarily be viewed as a public health issue.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by GhanaWeb.
The Director-General of the Narcotics Control Commission NACOC, Brigadier General Maxwell Obuba Mantey, announced that the commission made 217 arrests, secured 165 prosecutions, and seized over 8.5 tonnes of narcotic drugs from 2025 to April 2026. This period also saw the interception of 45.4 million tramadol tablets, a quantity sufficient to medicate every person in Ghana. Brigadier General Mantey highlighted these figures during the commemoration of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on Friday, June 26, 2026. Additionally, NACOC recovered assets linked to organized crime. The commission also reported that 1,179 individuals received treatment and counseling for substance abuse, with cannabis-related cases accounting for 50.5%, cocaine for 16.1%, alcohol for 14.9%, and opioids for 14.6%. The majority of those seeking treatment, 85.8%, were aged between 20 and 44, a demographic identified as Ghana's productive workforce.
The Director-General of the Narcotics Control Commission NACOC, Brigadier General Maxwell Obuba Mantey, announced the arrest of two additional suspects linked to the 320-kilogram methamphetamine shipment to Australia. These arrests followed the earlier apprehension of the alleged mastermind. Brigadier General Mantey stated that investigations are ongoing, and more arrests are expected as NACOC works to dismantle the drug trafficking network. He warned that the commission has intelligence on individuals involved in drug trafficking. NACOC had previously announced the arrest of the alleged mastermind on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, after months of surveillance with the Bureau of National Intelligence BNI and other security agencies. Australian authorities intercepted the methamphetamine, valued at nearly US$208 million, concealed in charcoal sacks shipped from Ghana to Sydney. Australian police have charged 34-year-old British actress Emaa Hussen and two others in connection with the operation, with Hussen being denied bail.
A Ghanaian woman has revealed she smuggled drugs, including cocaine and marijuana, to the father of her son in the UK. She claims the man, now deceased, introduced her to the drug trade. She was arrested and jailed for 10 years after drugs she was transporting were traced to her. After her release, she refused to continue in the drug business, leading to the man expelling her from his home and taking their son. She is now seeking a share of his properties, arguing she contributed to his wealth. The man's sister has reportedly taken control of his assets and has not supported their son, who is now 20 years old and a drug addict.