The Deputy Director-General of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), Esq. Alexander Twum Barimah, has issued a stern warning to bar operators across Ghana who mix marijuana commonly known as weed with alcoholic beverages. Speaking on the dangers of this illicit practice, Mr. Barimah urged operators to cease immediately or face severe legal consequences, including prosecution and the permanent closure of their premises.
He highlighted the alarming surge in such dangerous combinations, which are increasingly popular among patrons but pose grave risks to public health, especially the youth. Whoever is found engaging in this practice will face the full wrath of the law, and the premises will be shut down, Mr. Barimah stated emphatically, underscoring NACOC’s zero tolerance stance.
Mr. Barimah painted a grim picture of the societal fallout, noting that these mixes are ruining the youth” at an unprecedented rate. Without swift and tough enforcement, he warned, the situation could spiral further out of control, threatening the nation’s future workforce and stability.
In recent NACOC operations, the commission uncovered shocking cases, including a 16 year old engaging in heavy marijuana smoking. “We found a 16 year old smoking thoroughly, Mr. Barimah revealed, adding that such discoveries are becoming all too common in bars and nightlife spots.
The NACOC leader cautioned that Ghana sits on a time bomb if decisive action is not taken. If we are not careful as a nation, there won’t be any youth to rely on to build the nation, he said, calling for collective responsibility from bar owners, regulators, and the public to curb this menace.
This crackdown aligns with NACOC’s broader mandate under the Narcotic Drugs (Control, Enforcement and Sanctions) Act, 1990 (PNDCL 236), which prohibits the possession, sale, and distribution of controlled substances like marijuana. Authorities have intensified surveillance on nightlife venues, with raids yielding arrests and seizures in recent months.
Mr. Barimah’s warning serves as a wake-up call amid rising concerns over substance abuse in urban centers like Accra, Kumasi, and Takoradi. NACOC has vowed to collaborate with police and local assemblies to enforce compliance, urging citizens to report suspicious activities.
Source: Ohemaa Adusi-Poku