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Akrasi Sarpong educates law enforcers on New Narcotics Control Act
Mr Sarpong with officers at workshop
Though change is good and must be encouraged in all aspects of life, it becomes meaningless when those entrusted with implementing it fail to do the right thing, thereby making it useless.
To ensure that the right policies are carried out in the country’s amended laws, the law enforcement agents in the country have been urged to be very cautious in dealing with people who use drugs for personal gain in view of the new narcotics law of the country.
According to Mr. Yaw AkrasiSarpong, a former boss of the Narcotics Control Board (NACOB), who made the call, “the new drugs law of the country treats drug use and dependence as a public health issue rather than focusing on enforcement, incarceration, punishment, and repression.”
He told the law enforcement agencies “not to focus so much on arrests, prosecutions, and sentencing of persons using drugs for personal interest.”
Mr. Sarpong was addressing police prosecutors and detectives at a training workshop on ensuring the effective implementation of the Narcotics Control Commission Act 2020, Act 1019.
It was organised by the Perfector of Sentiment (POS) Foundation,a human rights civil society organisation that focuses its activities in the areas of access to justice, human rights,policy reform, youth development, and social accountability.
Under the theme, “Understanding the Narcotics Control Commission Act 2020, Act 1019: The Role of Law Enforcement and Prosecutors in Health, Rights-based Best Practices for Handling People Who Use Drugs in the Implementation of the Act.”
The new law was passed on March 20, 2020, and assented to by the President, Nana AddoDankwaAkufo-Addo, on May 11, 2020, which is an update on PNDC Law 236 promulgated in 1990.
Mr. Sarpong explained that people who use drugs rather need help “as it is a public health issue just like someone suffering from malaria or an ulcer.”
He questioned why the law should imprison someone for the possession of weed (or ‘wee’) for personal use and later spend taxpayer money to take care of the person in jail.
He stressed the importance for law enforcement agencies and prosecutors to be abreast of the law and know their roles in its delivery.
“I am not encouraging people to use drugs or weed; it can be addictive, but let us differentiate between private life and public safety,” he indicated.
Mentioning that the new law allows someone to possess a certain quantity of weed for daily use, he said, “the police are usually the first point of contact; their role in the safety and security of citizens is very important, hence the need to ensure proper implementation of the new law within the spirit that it is intended.”
The Executive Director of POS, Jonathan Osei-Wusu, on his part, also noted that drug use was a public health and human rights issue and described it as a “substance use disorder.”
He said, “it has been tested and proven all over the world that substance use disorder is not an issue of criminality where people are to be sentenced but rather need help.”
He pointed out that rehabilitation had been provided under the new state law to help such people reform.
The Executive Director further argued against sentencing people who use drugs for relaxation when they have not killed anyone or caused any violence.
He indicated that if such people were sentenced for smoking the substance, “they come out hardened and more problematic for society.”
Ms. Maria-GorettiAneLoglo, with the International Drug Policy Consortium, said Ghana has become an example for many West African states in reviewing its drug policies.
And there was the need to take further steps in the implementation of the law “so that we get it all right for others to follow.”
From Kingsley E. Hope, Kumasi
Ghana’s Finance Minister, Cassiel Ato Forson, says he and his deputy have publicly filed their annual tax returns to demonstrate leadership and encourage compliance among citizens.
In a facebook post, he explained that the move was meant to show that public officials must lead by example when it comes to fulfilling civic duties.
“Leadership must be demonstrated, not declared,” he said.
He commended Ghanaian taxpayers for their continued contribution to national development, noting that tax compliance plays a key role in sustaining government activities.
According to him, paying taxes is both a legal and moral responsibility. He stressed that all citizens, including public officials, professionals, and businesses, are equal before the law and must meet their tax obligations.
He added that tax revenue is essential for funding key sectors such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and security.
The minister praised the Ghana Revenue Authority for its work, especially during the ongoing Tax and Good Governance Month in April. He said the initiative helps to educate the public and promote voluntary compliance.
He urged the authority to intensify public education and continue reforms aimed at simplifying tax processes, reducing compliance costs, and improving transparency.
He further encouraged individuals and businesses that are yet to file their returns to do so promptly, adding that support systems and digital platforms are available to assist them.
He said building a strong tax culture would strengthen the country’s economy, improve accountability, and promote fairness in society.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Ghana Tourism Development Company Limited (GTD) in collaboration with the Department of Organisation and Human Resource Management, University of Ghana Business School (UGBS) has marked the 2026 World Safety Day Celebration in Accra.
The event held on Tuesday, April 28, 2026 at the Cedi Conference Centre, Legon was under the theme “Good Psychosocial Working Environment: A Pathway to Thriving Workers and Strong Organizations.”
The day is observed globally to promote safe and healthy working conditions and to raise awareness about both physical and psychological risks at the workplace.
The event formed part of efforts by stakeholders to deepen national conversations on workplace safety, particularly the growing concern about psychosocial well being.
In his keynote address, the Minister for Labour, Jobs and Employment, Dr Abdul Rashid Hassan Pelpuo stressed that workers must not be treated as machines but as human beings with dignity, rights and families.
He explained that unsafe work environments marked by fear, harassment, intimidation and excessive pressure reduce productivity and weaken organisations.
He noted that although physical hazards such as faulty equipment and unsafe buildings remain a concern, psychological risks including excessive workload, bullying, job insecurity and toxic communication are equally dangerous and must be addressed.
According to him, psychological hazards are real, measurable and preventable, and should be treated with the same urgency as physical risks.
He maintained that safe and healthy working conditions are not a luxury but a fundamental right that supports productivity and social justice.
Dr Pelpuo further stated that the government remains committed to strengthening occupational safety and health systems, adding that worker wellbeing is a core responsibility of leadership and not a public relations issue.
He urged employers to create environments where dignity is protected, and workers are empowered to speak without fear.
The Dean of University of Ghana Business School, Prof Ernest Y Tweneboah Koduah noted that the school is committed to shaping a better world of work that is equitable, productive and sustainable.
He announced that the school has secured accreditation from the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission to introduce a programme in organisational health and safety.
He explained that gaps in workplace safety in Ghana are linked to weak enforcement, underreporting and limited professional training.
He added that the new programme will equip graduates with the skills to prioritise employee wellbeing as a key organisational responsibility.
Prof Tweneboah Koduah urged organisations to assess psychosocial risks, invest in human resource capacity and create environments where workers can openly discuss mental health concerns.
He emphasised that collaboration between academia and industry is essential to addressing workplace safety challenges.
Delivering remarks on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, the Registrar of the University of Ghana, Emelia Naa Kwantsua Agyei Mensah described the event as historic, noting that it is the first time the university is marking the global observance.
She explained that the focus on psychosocial wellbeing reflects current realities in the world of work.
She stated that employee health, including mental and emotional wellbeing, directly affects productivity, morale and institutional performance.
Mrs Agyei Mensah added that the university is committed to creating a safe and supportive environment for staff and students, beyond minimum legal requirements.
She called on leaders to reflect on the kind of workplaces they create and to prioritise the wellbeing of employees.
CEO of the GTDC, Prof Kobby on his part noted that its participation aligns with its commitment under the Riyadh Declaration, which calls on member states to improve infrastructure and public safety, as well as enhance services, transport, connectivity and accessibility.
He indicated that the company intends to use the platform to highlight Ghana’s readiness to implement the declaration, with a strong focus on worker safety and wellbeing as a foundation for sustainable tourism development.
The event brought together policymakers, academics, industry players and students to discuss strategies for improving workplace safety and promoting healthier work environments across the country.
By: Jacob Aggrey
