West Africa Drug Policy Network - WADPN

29/07/2026

Ghana’s drug policy reform is being hailed as a landmark shift, but legislation alone is not enough. As stakeholders push for better harm reduction services, reduced stigma and stronger implementation, the focus now is on turning policy into real change for affected communities.

Read more:

Health, justice and civil society actors examined how Ghana can turn Act 1019 into effective harm reduction services, alternatives to punishment, and rights-based practices.

10/07/2026

"Many drug users themselves are vulnerable. They require SUPPORT, not punishment. The question is not whether we enforce the law, but how we enforce it," Deputy Interior Minister Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi affirms.

Indeed, enforcement alone has never solved the problem of drug use. Stakeholders share their perspectives during a two-day National Dialogue on Drug Policy, Human Rights, and Public Health held in Accra, Ghana.

Read more: https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/ghana-news-national-dialogue-to-bridge-gaps-in-drug-policy-reform-opens.html #:~:text=Stakeholders%20in%20justice%2C%20health%20and,improve%20coordination%20among%20implementing%20institutions

Stakeholders in justice, health and drug control sectors have begun a two-day national dialogue to identify implementation gaps in the Narcotics Control Commission Act 2020 (1019), which seeks to strengthen public health, protect human rights and improve coordination among implementing institutions

08/07/2026

Today and tomorrow, drug policy experts, government agencies, community representatives, and other key stakeholders will convene in Accra to assess the state of Ghana’s drug policy landscape following the passage of the Narcotics Control Commission Act, 2020 (Act 1019)

Under the theme, “Advancing a People-Centred, Rights-Based Drug Policy in Ghana: Moving from Law to Implementation,” participants will engage in critical discussions on progress made, challenges encountered, and the practical steps needed to fully implement a humane, evidence-based, and rights-focused drug policy framework in Ghana.

26/06/2026

Punishment puts our communities at risk.
This is a reminder to place harm reduction at the centre, through compassion, care, and dignity.

Let us choose support over stigma and health over punishment. Together, we can build safer, healthier communities.

Photo: 2026 World Drug Day Commemoration in Accra, Ghana.

09/06/2026

Ghana has launched Harm Reduction Guidelines, marking a shift to a public health approach to drug use. Developed with partnerships, the framework promotes compassionate, rights-based care, expands harm reduction services, and integrates HIV, mental health, and primary healthcare. Stakeholders stress collaboration, phased implementation, and a commitment to reducing stigma, preventing disease, and saving lives.

Read more: https://bit.ly/4g8zx0M

22/01/2026

22/01/2026

As drug policy reform faces renewed repression and securitisation worldwide, 2026 will test whether evidence, human rights and community leadership can still reshape a system under strain — and where the next openings for change may emerge.

01/01/2026

Happy New Year!

25/12/2025

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas!

May this festive season bring you joy and renewed hope to kickstart a new year. As we enjoy this festive season, let’s celebrate responsibly and stay mindful of our choices. Avoid overdose, your health matters.


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Joyeux Noël à tous !

Que cette période festive vous apporte joie et espoir renouvelé pour bien démarrer la nouvelle année. Alors que nous profitons de cette période festive, célébrons de manière responsable et restons attentifs à nos choix. Évitez les excès, votre santé est importante.