Greater Accra Regional Peace Council Engages Stakeholders on Drug Abuse Prevention and Youth Empowerment for Peacebuilding

The Greater Accra Regional Peace Council (GARPC) has organised a stakeholder engagement programme on “Promoting Peace through Drug Abuse Prevention and Youth Empowerment” aimed at addressing the growing concerns of drug abuse among young people and its connection to violence, insecurity and social disruption.

The programme, held on 9th July 2026 at the NEIP Conference Room, Madina, brought together key stakeholders including representatives from the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), community leaders and peace actors to discuss practical approaches to preventing substance abuse and strengthening youth participation in peacebuilding.

In his welcome address, Sheikh Abass Saleh Haroun, Council Member of the Greater Accra Regional Peace Council, highlighted the serious impact of drug abuse on young people and national development. He emphasized that addressing the drug menace requires collective action from parents, teachers, counsellors, religious leaders, security institutions and community stakeholders.

He encouraged young people to resist negative peer influence, embrace positive lifestyles and become agents of peace within their communities.

The Acting Regional Executive Secretary, Mr. George Oko Mensah, provided an overview of the mandate of the National Peace Council under the National Peace Council Act, 2011 (Act 818). He explained that while conflicts are a natural part of human interaction, the manner in which they are managed determines whether they result in constructive outcomes or violence. He further noted that the Council’s mandate extends beyond election-related matters to include conflict prevention, mediation and peacebuilding across various sectors of society.

Mr. Frederick Mawuli Agbenu, Regional Director of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), sensitized participants on violence, extremism, terrorism and radicalization. He discussed factors that contribute to violent extremism and highlighted the importance of education, youth empowerment, community engagement, dialogue and positive values as tools for prevention.

He encouraged the establishment of youth-focused initiatives such as clubs, debates, drama activities and inter-community dialogues to promote awareness and resilience against extremist influences.

Rev. NOC Shadrack Yeboah, Municipal Commander of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), addressed the effects of drug abuse on public health, safety and peace. He explained the vulnerability of young people to substance abuse and discussed the causes, effects and relationship between drug use and violent behaviour. He emphasized the importance of prevention, awareness creation and support systems to promote healthy choices among youth.

The engagement reinforced the importance of collaboration among peace institutions, security agencies, schools, families, religious bodies and communities in addressing drug-related challenges and building a peaceful society.

The programme was attended by representatives from the Greater Accra Regional Peace Council, Narcotics Control Commission and National Commission for Civic Education.