The Director-General of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), Major General Maxwell Obuba Mantey, has cautioned Ghanaian youth against misconceptions surrounding cannabis use, stressing that its plant-based origin does not make it harmless.
Speaking at the National Youth Conference held at the Great Hall of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Major Gen. Mantey warned that cannabis consumption can impair critical brain functions, including memory, judgment, and decision-making.
“The fact that cannabis is a plant does not mean that it cannot affect you. It affects the brain, your memory and your ability to make sound decisions,” he stated.
He explained that contrary to popular belief among some young people, cannabis does not enhance intellectual ability but rather undermines cognitive performance. Such myths, he noted, are dangerous as they encourage experimentation and regular use, particularly among youth influenced by peers and social media narratives.
Protecting the Future Generation
Major Gen. Mantey underscored the importance of safeguarding young people from substance abuse, describing them as vital to Ghana’s future. He urged students to critically examine drug-related claims and avoid adopting widely circulated but misleading narratives.
He emphasized that the consequences of cannabis use extend beyond immediate intoxication, affecting education, productivity, relationships, and future opportunities. NACOC, he said, will continue to intensify public education and prevention programmes to empower youth with accurate knowledge and resilience skills.
Shared Responsibility
The Director-General called on students to become ambassadors of drug-free lifestyles, sharing credible information with peers and communities. He stressed that combating drug abuse requires collective effort from parents, teachers, religious bodies, civil society, and young people themselves.
He encouraged youth to seek guidance when confronted with substance-use challenges rather than relying on misinformation or peer pressure.
The National Youth Conference brought together participants from all 16 regions, providing a national platform for dialogue on drug-related issues and youth development. NACOC reaffirmed its commitment to working with stakeholders to build a generation better informed about the risks of drug abuse and empowered to make responsible choices.
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