NACOC, GOPC organise health walk in Asuom to Mark World Drug Day

The Eastern Regional Command of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), in collaboration with the Ghana Oil Palm Development Company (GOPC), organised a health walk through the principal streets of Asuom in the Kwaebibirem Municipality on June 26, 2026, as part of activities marking this year’s World Drug Day celebration.

The event brought together the Eastern Regional Commander of NACOC, PNCO Philomina Obenewaa Sackar, NACOC officers, personnel of the Ghana Police Service, officers from the Ambulance Service, and students from Asuom SHS, Presby Basic A, Presby Basic C, Methodist Basic and Roman Catholic Basic schools.

The walk began at Asuom SHS and proceeded through the market, the Asuom Salvation Army, Presby School Junction, and back to Asuom SHS.

During the procession, students carried placards bearing anti-drug abuse messages, while others distributed leaflets containing information on the dangers of drug abuse. NACOC officers also engaged onlookers in one-on-one interactions on the harmful effects of substance abuse and the importance of living drug-free lives.

The messages focused on the theme: “The world drug problem, persisting problems, new challenges and innovative response.”

World Drug Day is observed annually on June 26, following a resolution by the United Nations General Assembly, to raise awareness about the risks and consequences of drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking, while encouraging member states to strengthen efforts to combat the global drug problem.

The day also serves to promote greater collaboration and action towards building a world free from drug abuse and developing preventive measures against the threats illegal drugs pose to global security and governance.

At the end of the walk, PNCO Philomina Obenewaa Sackar advised students to avoid associating with peers who abuse drugs, warning that such associations could expose them to the temptation of using illegal substances such as cannabis in its various forms, including marijuana, hashish, “wee toffee,” “wee sobolo,” as well as red 225 and other prescription drugs.

She stressed that if students make the conscious decision to stay away from drugs, communities would gradually become free from drug abuse, adding that a drug-free society is always more peaceful.

PNCO Sackar also expressed appreciation to the organisations that supported the programme, including Promasidor Ghana, Ghana Oil Palm Development Company (GOPC), FairAfric, Joy Industries, Blue Skies Ghana Company Ltd, and Twellium Industrial Company Ltd.