NACOC Hosts Second National Dialogue on Drug Policy, Human Rights and Public Health

The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), in partnership with the International Drug Policy Consortium (IDPC), WAPCAS PLUS, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), and other national and international partners, has successfully concluded the Second National Dialogue on Drug Policy, Human Rights and Public Health.

Held from July 8-9, 2026 under the theme “Advancing a People-Centered, Rights-Based Drug Policy in Ghana: Moving from Law to Implementation,” the two-day national dialogue brought together policymakers, law enforcement agencies, health professionals, members of the judiciary, development partners, civil society organisations, academia, traditional authorities, representatives of affected communities, and international experts to deliberate on Ghana’s progress in implementing modern, evidence-based drug policies.

The dialogue forms part of Ghana’s broader commitment to strengthening a drug control system that promotes public health, protects human rights, enhances public safety, and supports sustainable national development.

Building on the outcomes of Ghana’s First National Dialogue on Drug Policy held in 2022, this year’s engagement sought to review progress made following the enactment and implementation of the Narcotics Control Commission Act, 2020 (Act 1019).

Participants also explored practical strategies for translating legislative reforms into meaningful improvements in healthcare, justice delivery, rehabilitation services, and community wellbeing.

The dialogue comes at a critical period in Ghana’s drug policy reform agenda as the country continues its transition from predominantly punitive approaches to evidence-based, health-centred, and rights-based responses to drug use.

Since the passage of Act 1019, Ghana has earned recognition as one of Africa’s leading countries in progressive drug policy reform.

The Act introduced significant legal provisions that support treatment, rehabilitation, harm reduction interventions, alternatives to incarceration for eligible offenders, and a more balanced approach to addressing substance use disorders.

Participants acknowledged that while these legislative achievements represent a major milestone, the success of the reforms ultimately depends on effective implementation.

They noted that translating policy into practice requires sustained collaboration among government institutions, healthcare providers, law enforcement agencies, the judiciary, civil society organisations, academia, development partners, and local communities.

Discussions throughout the two-day event focused on assessing progress made since the inaugural dialogue in 2022 and examining the implementation of Act 1019 and related policy reforms.

Participants also considered measures to strengthen coordination among state institutions and non-state actors to ensure a more integrated national response to drug-related challenges.

A major area of discussion centred on Ghana’s readiness to introduce Opioid Agonist Therapy (OAT) as part of a comprehensive package of evidence-based treatment and harm reduction interventions.

Experts shared international experiences and best practices on expanding access to quality treatment services while ensuring that interventions are grounded in science, respect human dignity, and uphold the rights of individuals affected by substance use disorders.

The dialogue further explored practical approaches to improving prevention programmes, expanding rehabilitation and recovery services, reducing stigma and discrimination, strengthening community-based interventions, and enhancing collaboration between the public health and criminal justice sectors.

Participants emphasised that successful implementation of Ghana’s drug policy reforms requires adequate resource allocation, institutional capacity building, public education, continuous stakeholder engagement, and effective monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to measure progress.

The forum also highlighted the importance of adopting people-centred approaches that recognise substance use disorders as public health issues requiring prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and social reintegration rather than solely punitive sanctions.

Throughout the discussions, stakeholders reaffirmed their collective commitment to supporting the implementation of Act 1019 and ensuring that Ghana’s drug policies remain responsive to emerging challenges while aligning with international best practices and human rights standards.

The dialogue concluded with renewed commitments from government institutions, development partners, civil society organisations, and community representatives to deepen collaboration, strengthen institutional partnerships, and accelerate the implementation of reforms that improve health outcomes, promote justice, and enhance community safety.

As Ghana continues to position itself as a regional leader in progressive drug policy reform, the outcomes of the Second National Dialogue are expected to contribute significantly to shaping future policies and programmes that balance public health, public safety, and human rights while advancing a more humane, effective, and evidence-informed response to drug-related challenges.

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