The Bono Regional Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) is alarmed over the escalating demand for illicit drugs such as Tramadol, Opioid (“RED”), Cannabis, alcohol, and “Shisha” among the youth.
According to NACOC, these young men and women predominantly gather in ghettos, drinking spots, pubs, and pool parties to abuse drugs, which is alarming and threatening their future and well-being.
The Bono Regional Narcotics Control Commission has identified a ghetto in Sunyani Zongo as a notable hub for drug business and has marked it for a raid.
NACOC regional commander, PNCO Owusu Sarpong concerns were raised at the commemoration of World Drug Day on Thursday, 26th June 2025, at Sunyani Senior High School auditorium.
The day highlights the need for investment in prevention, education, healthcare, and criminal justice to address the problem holistically.
Despite the escalation, NACOC in the region pledged commitment to tackling drug menace through coordinated prevention and education programs, intelligence-led operations, and targeted surveillance actions.
In his commemoration address to the gathering, Mr. Sarpong said the regional counselling department of NACOC has assisted hundreds of individuals suffering from substance use disorders with treatment and rehabilitation services.
NACOC regional commander reveals plans to conduct special intelligence-led operations to dismantle the illicit drug business across the region and form Drug-Free Clubs in selected schools.
PNCO Owusu Sarpong said the clubs will provide a platform for students to share experiences and serve as peer educators on drugs.
The regional commander called for public collaboration in the fight against drugs, emphasizing that it’s a collective responsibility.
The theme “Breaking the Chains: Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery for All” promotes support for drug prevention and awareness, access to treatment, and care for those suffering from drug use disorders.
PNCO Owusu Sarpong said they have reached out to over 10,000 individuals through intensified anti-drug awareness campaigns in schools, market centres, churches, mosques, communities, and on radio stations since 2024.
However, the Commission says they lack treatment and rehabilitation centres, and the commander advocates for establishing a well-resourced centre to address this gap.
Speaking in a sideline interview with Kaakyire Kwasi Afari of Sunyani-based Ark fm, the regional commander advised the public, especially the youth, to abstain from illicit drugs, to help them escape its associated implications.
PNCO Owusu Sarpong cautioned that individuals found guilty of planting, selling, or consuming could face imprisonment of not less than 10 years, a fine, or both.
The President of the Sunyani Traditional Council, Nana Kwaku Sarbeng II, has advised parents to monitor their wards against peer influence that could lead them to become addicted to drugs.
Nana Kwaku Sarbeng, who attended the event on behalf of Sunyani Paramount Chief, also urged guidance to invest immensely in their wards’ education.
Source: Kaakyire Kwasi Afari. Ark FM, Sunyani.