The Deputy Greater Accra Regional Head at the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), Mr Rees Oduro has clarified that aside regulating the use of drugs in the country, the Commission does rehabilitation for drug addicts who need help.
However, he admitted that the Government does not have a specific rehabilitation centre for such purposes.
Despite the challenge, he said the Commission offers the service through some known institutions including the Accra Psychiatric Hospital, the Pantang Hospital and Ankaful.
He said this on Atinka TV’s morning show, Ghana Nie with Ama Gyenfa Ofosu Darkwa while commemorating the International Day against Drug Abuse and illicit trafficking also known as the World Drug Day.
International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is commemorated on 26th of June every year across the world.
Supported each year by individuals, communities, and various organizations all over the world, this global observance aims to raise awareness of the major problem that illicit drugs represent to society.
The theme for the 2023 International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is, “People first: stop stigma and discrimination, strengthen prevention”
The Narcotics Control Commission, Mr Rees Oduro noted that educates or sensitise the public, especially the youth against drug abuse and others.
The Commission, he said, also caution drug peddlers against their actions and to make them aware of the laws and as well regulate the importation and management of Precursor chemicals.
In addition, the commission, he said also provides counseling and treatment for drug addicts.
However, the host like many others was not sure if the Narcotics Control Commission provided rehabilitation for drug addicts.
Explaining the above, Mr Rees Oduro said,””For the rehabilitation, the Government does not have a specific centre that we can say that this is a rehabilitation centre for the Government of Ghana. But we have three psychiatric hospitals that have units under them like the Accra Psychiatric Hospital, the Pantang Hospital and Ankaful Psychiatric Hospital.”
He continued, “They have sections that we can refer people to when they come to us voluntarily saying they want to quit drugs and we are able to assist them and provide them with counseling. When you go to the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, they also have an Addictive Disease Unit, and we collaborate with a number of private organizations to assist with this task, which is why most people believe we do not offer this service.
As part of activities to commemorate the event, he said the commission was going to embark on a health walk during the weekend to also create awareness about the usage of drugs.
Ghana| Atinkaonline.com| Porcia Oforiwaa Ofori
