A delegation from the Narcotics Control Commission (NCC), led by Head of Prevention and Senior Narcotics Control Officer at the Greater Accra Regional Office Mr Abdul Aziz Ali, held an educational seminar for military personnel and Defence Civilian staff during padre hour on Thursday 12 March 2026, at the Army Headquarters.
The seminar aimed to familiarise attendees with the Commission’s work and to educate them on how to avoid drug use, outlining the causes, prevention strategies and the effects of drugs on the brain.
Colonel Francis Agyemang, Director of Army Religious Affairs, welcomed the delegation and expressed appreciation for the outreach.
In his remarks, Mr Abdul Aziz Ali explained that drugs are natural or chemical substances that, when taken, alter perception, cognition, mood and motor function. He noted that drugs are broadly classified as legal and illegal, where legal drugs include prescription medicines and substances permitted by law (examples given were paracetamol, alcohol and shisha), while illegal drugs include banned substances such as cannabis, cocaine and heroin.
Mr Ali warned that even legal substances can cause serious health complications, including brain disorders and cancers affecting the liver and lungs. He said illegal drugs similarly damage the brain and pose severe health and social risks to users.
The speaker listed common causes of drug abuse, including stress and emotional problems, peer pressure, curiosity and experimentation, family breakdown, easy availability of drugs, media and celebrity influence, lack of education, poverty, unemployment and underlying mental health issues. He urged communities and institutions to proactively address these root causes.
