President Mahama Calls for National Response to Drug Abuse, Urges Traditional Leaders to Act

Key Takeaways

• President John Dramani Mahama has called for a more coordinated national response to drug abuse in Ghana.
• He urged traditional leaders to take an active role in identifying and dismantling networks supplying illicit drugs, particularly tramadol.
• Mahama emphasized the need for community-driven interventions backed by law enforcement to tackle the issue.

President John Dramani Mahama has underscored the need for a collective effort to combat drug abuse in Ghana, specifically highlighting the role traditional leaders can play in the fight against the menace.

Speaking at the Northern Regional House of Chiefs at the Jubilee House on Friday, May 15, Mahama stressed that mental health can no longer be treated as a neglected area of public policy, calling for community-driven interventions backed by law enforcement.

Background & Context

Tramadol, a synthetic opioid, has become a major concern in Ghana due to its widespread availability and abuse. The drug is often sold in pharmacies and on the black market, with users ranging from young adults to senior citizens.

The Ghanaian government has introduced several initiatives to combat the issue, including the establishment of the National Drug Control Commission and the implementation of the Narcotic Drugs (Control, Enforcement and Sanctions) Act, 1990.

However, despite these efforts, the prevalence of tramadol abuse remains a significant concern, with many calling for a more coordinated approach to address the issue.

President Mahama's Call to Action

Mahama emphasized that traditional leaders have a crucial role to play in identifying and dismantling networks supplying illicit drugs, particularly tramadol. He urged them to work closely with youth groups and the Ghana Police Service to establish local task forces aimed at disrupting drug distribution chains.

The President also noted that users of illicit drugs should not be treated as criminals, but rather as victims of a broader supply network that profits from addiction and exploitation.

He explained that the real threat lies in the distributors, who often operate within communities and supply bulk quantities of drugs to young people.

Looking Ahead

Mahama's call for a more coordinated national response to drug abuse is a critical step towards addressing the issue in Ghana. By engaging traditional leaders and leveraging their influence, the government can mobilize communities against the trade and root out offenders.

The President's emphasis on community-driven interventions backed by law enforcement is a welcome approach, as it acknowledges the need for a multi-faceted approach to tackle the issue.

Ultimately, the success of Mahama's initiative will depend on the willingness of traditional leaders and other stakeholders to work together to address the root causes of drug abuse in Ghana.

Image Source: https://www.myjoyonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/John-Mahama-1.png