Ghana’s Interior Minister, Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak, has announced plans to prioritise the recruitment of young people who assist in the arrest of drug addicts into the country’s security services, as part of a renewed government strategy to tackle drug abuse, particularly in Zongo communities.
Speaking at a community sensitisation programme held at Sabon Zongo in Accra, Mr Mubarak lauded local efforts to curb drug trafficking and pledged stronger state support for grassroots initiatives.
“Once we live in the community, we know those involved. And when we rise and say ‘no’, and work together with the police and the Narcotics Control Commission, that is when we’ll succeed,” he told the gathering.
He went further to assure the youth that their commitment would not go unnoticed. “Give me 10 to 15 names,” he said. “Insha Allah, I will make sure they are recruited to support the work they’ve already started.”
This pledge, he explained, is part of broader efforts to empower Zongo youth through socioeconomic development and to bring meaningful change to communities grappling with substance abuse challenges.
The Minister also issued a stern warning to police officers who are slow to act on drug-related reports. “Any commander you call who doesn’t respond swiftly will be removed,” he said, urging law enforcement to support community efforts by responding promptly and responsibly.
Mr Mubarak encouraged residents not to take the law into their own hands but to collaborate with the authorities. “Don’t destroy property. Don’t take the law into your hands. If you arrest someone, hand them over to the police,” he advised.
His remarks come amid growing concern over the rise in drug-related activities across urban areas in Ghana, particularly in marginalised communities where unemployment and limited access to resources exacerbate the problem.
The government’s latest initiative is seen as a move to strengthen trust between security agencies and local communities, while also creating job opportunities for young people who have taken a stand against crime.
