The event brought together personnel from the Ghana Police Service, Ghana Immigration Service, Ghana National Fire Service, Ghana National Ambulance Service, Ghana Armed Forces, the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB), Ghana Prisons Service, and other security agencies operating within the Bono East Region.
The programme aimed to promote healthy living, strengthen inter-agency cooperation, and raise public awareness on the dangers of drug abuse and illicit trafficking.
The activities commenced with a health walk and awareness float through the principal streets of Techiman, where participants carried placards bearing anti-drug messages and engaged members of the public on the harmful effects of substance abuse.
The float attracted significant public attention as residents lined the streets to witness and support the campaign.
Speaking during the event, the Bono East Regional Commander of NACOC, SNCO Portia Abuwie Demuyakor, emphasized that the fight against illicit drugs requires collective action from all stakeholders. She noted that drug abuse continues to affect individuals, families, communities, and national development, making it imperative for everyone to contribute to prevention efforts.
According to her, the Commission had, over the preceding weeks, intensified public education through radio discussions and community outreach programmes aimed at sensitizing the public on the dangers associated with illicit drug use and the significance of World Drug Day.
She emphasized that addiction should be viewed as a health condition requiring support, counseling, treatment, and rehabilitation rather than stigmatization.
She encouraged individuals struggling with substance use disorders to seek professional assistance through NACOC’s Counselling Unit, which remains committed to providing guidance, counseling, and referrals to appropriate treatment facilities.
Following the float, participants converged at the Ameyaw Kumfi Park for a series of recreational and team-building activities designed to foster unity and strengthen collaboration among the security services.
The games included an energetic dancing competition, lime-and-spoon race, and playing cards competition, all of which generated excitement and healthy competition among the participating agencies.
The event was characterized by a strong spirit of camaraderie, teamwork, and mutual respect as officers competed in a friendly atmosphere while reinforcing the campaign’s message of promoting drug-free communities.
The activities also demonstrated how public education can be combined with recreation and entertainment to effectively engage communities and inspire positive behavioural change.
At the end of the competitions, the Ghana National Ambulance Service emerged as the overall winner, displaying outstanding teamwork, enthusiasm, and excellence across the various games.
The achievement was met with applause and admiration from fellow participants and spectators.
The programme was organised under the 2026 World Drug Day theme: “The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses.”
The theme highlights the need for strengthened partnerships, innovative strategies, and sustainable interventions to address emerging drug-related challenges globally and locally.
SNCO Demuyakor further urged officers from the various security agencies to maintain drug-free lifestyles and serve as role models within their institutions and communities.
She stressed that security personnel must lead by example in promoting healthy and responsible living.
The Regional Commander also outlined the three core Operational units of NACOC, the Enforcement and Intelligence Unit, the Education Unit, and the Counselling Unit. She explained that while the Enforcement and Intelligence Unit investigates drug-related offences and ensures compliance with Ghana’s drug laws, the Education Unit continues to conduct awareness campaigns in schools, churches, mosques, markets, and communities.
The Counselling Unit, she added, provides support services to individuals seeking to overcome substance dependence and reintegrate successfully into society.
The successful health walk, awareness float, and inter-security games marked the official commencement of the Bono East Regional Command’s activities leading to the main World Drug Day commemoration on 26 June 2026.
Upcoming activities include educational seminars and a community durbar at Amoma aimed at deepening public awareness and strengthening community participation in the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking.
The Narcotics Control Commission expresses its sincere appreciation to all participating security agencies and stakeholders for their support, dedication, and commitment to promoting safer, healthier, and drug-free communities throughout the Bono East Region.
