Ghana is facing a silent but fast-spreading drug storm, and at the center of it is marijuana.
From border towns to busy city streets, cases of marijuana trafficking and possession are rising sharply, triggering fresh alarm within the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC). Once seen as a low-level offence, cannabis-related crime is now emerging as a major national security and public health concern.
So what is driving the sudden surge? NACOC says the reasons are complex—and troubling.
Economic Pressure Fuels the Trade
According to NACOC, worsening economic conditions have pushed many young people into the marijuana trade as a quick source of income. With limited job opportunities and rising living costs, cannabis cultivation and trafficking are increasingly viewed as a “low-risk, high-reward” hustle—especially in rural farming communities.
Border Porosity and Smuggling Routes
Weak border surveillance has also made Ghana an attractive transit and destination point for marijuana trafficking. NACOC warns that drug networks are exploiting porous borders and unapproved routes, moving cannabis across regions with relative ease while staying one step ahead of enforcement agencies.
Changing Attitudes and Normalisation
Another worrying factor is the growing social acceptance of marijuana use, particularly among the youth. NACOC notes that misinformation—often spread through social media—has led many to believe cannabis use is harmless or even beneficial, downplaying its legal and health risks.
This perception, officials say, has contributed to a spike in possession cases, especially in schools, tertiary institutions, and urban nightlife hotspots.
Organised Crime Moves In
What was once small-scale dealing is now attracting organised criminal groups. NACOC reports that some trafficking rings are becoming more sophisticated, using coded communication, hidden compartments, and cross-regional networks to evade arrest.
Law Enforcement Playing Catch-Up
While NACOC and security agencies have intensified arrests and seizures, officials admit enforcement alone is not enough. Limited resources, manpower constraints, and the fast-evolving tactics of traffickers remain major obstacles.
A Call for National Action
NACOC is calling for a stronger multi-agency response, tougher border controls, and aggressive public education campaigns to reverse the trend. Parents, schools, community leaders, and policymakers, the commission says, must all play a role.
The message is clear: marijuana trafficking is no longer a fringe issue—it is a growing national challenge. And unless urgent action is taken, NACOC warns the problem could spiral into a far deeper crisis with lasting consequences for Ghana’s youth and security.
