The Ghana Catholic Bishops' Conference has called on the government to take immediate action against narcotics, emphasizing the need for a coordinated strategy involving key state institutions. This appeal was made in a statement released on September 21, 2026. The Bishops stressed that the fight against drugs requires a collaborative effort from various institutions, including the Ghana Police Service, Narcotics Control Commission, Customs Division, port authorities, the judiciary, and schools.
The Conference highlighted the importance of equipping ports, airports, and borders to detect illicit consignments. They also urged stronger collaboration with international law enforcement agencies, such as INTERPOL and Europol, to investigate transnational drug networks and locate wanted persons. Furthermore, the Bishops emphasized the need for timely prosecution of individuals with credible evidence against them, while respecting constitutional rights and judicial independence.
The Bishops' statement also called for investigations to focus on the financial structures sustaining the narcotics trade, rather than just individual arrests. They suggested that investigations should follow the money and identify the networks, businesses, and financial arrangements that sustain the trade. Additionally, they recommended that every public official reasonably suspected of complicity should be investigated, regardless of rank.
The Conference also emphasized the need for greater investment in drug prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation programs. They urged the government to expand rehabilitation services while addressing poverty and unemployment, which can make people vulnerable to drug trafficking. The Bishops welcomed Parliament's decision to exercise its oversight role on the issue and expressed support for a proposed parliamentary memorandum.
The parliamentary memorandum seeks to summon the Ministers for the Interior, Transport, and National Security, together with NACOC, the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, Ghana Revenue Authority, Ghana Immigration Service, and National Intelligence Bureau. The Bishops urged that the parliamentary sitting be held without delay and conducted with the seriousness the matter requires. They also called on all institutions involved to cooperate fully and transparently.
The Bishops stressed that the fight against narcotics cannot be left to the government alone, calling on the Church, families, and society to play a greater role. They urged Catholic parishes, schools, and youth organizations to intensify drug-prevention education, mentorship, and pastoral support. The Conference also appealed to parents and guardians to stay close to their children, listen to their concerns, know their friends, and provide moral and emotional support.
Finally, the Bishops offered a message of hope to young people struggling with drug use, encouraging them to seek professional help. They emphasized that the Church stands ready to accompany and support those struggling with addiction. The Bishops' appeal is a call to action for a comprehensive approach to addressing the narcotics issue in Ghana, involving government institutions, civil society, and individuals.
Key points
- The Ghana Catholic Bishops' Conference has called on the government to treat the fight against narcotics as an urgent national concern.
- The Conference emphasized the need for a coordinated strategy involving key state institutions to tackle the trafficking and use of illicit drugs.
- The Bishops also urged greater investment in drug prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation programs to address the root causes of addiction.
