The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has proposed the introduction of mandatory drug testing for all job seekers in Ghana before employment, as part of efforts to tackle rising substance abuse among the youth and ensure a safer, more productive workforce.
The proposal was disclosed by the Deputy Director General of NACOC in charge of Enforcement, Control and Elimination, Lawyer Alexander Twum-Barimah, during recent engagements on drug control and national security reforms.
According to him, Ghana must adopt stricter preventive measures at the recruitment stage to reduce the growing impact of drug abuse on workplaces and national institutions.
He explained that NACOC has observed increasing cases of substance use among young people, warning that the trend poses a serious threat to productivity, discipline, and national security if not urgently addressed.
“Drug abuse is no longer just a health issue; it is a national security concern. If we are serious about protecting our institutions, then we must begin screening people before they enter the workplace,” Twum-Barimah said.
He added that the Commission is working with stakeholders to design a framework that would allow both public and private sector employers to integrate drug testing into recruitment processes without violating legal and human rights standards.
The Deputy Director General further noted that the proposal is not intended to punish job seekers but to identify and support individuals struggling with substance dependence before they are employed.
He emphasised that NACOC’s broader strategy focuses not only on enforcement but also on prevention, rehabilitation, and public education to address the root causes of drug abuse in Ghana.
NACOC maintains that the growing drug menace requires bold and preventive action to safeguard workplaces and reduce long-term social and economic risks.
The Commission is expected to engage key institutions, including the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations, the Ministry of Health, and private sector bodies, to further refine the proposal.
