NACOC proposes mandatory drug tests before employment nationwide

The Deputy Director-General of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), Alexander Twum Barimah, is calling for mandatory drug testing for all job seekers across both public and private sectors as part of efforts to curb rising drug abuse among the youth.

Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, he argued that employment processes should include proof of a certified drug test conducted through NACOC or recognised institutions before recruitment.

According to him, the measure would serve as a strong deterrent against drug use, especially among young people preparing to enter the job market.

“We must start testing people on drugs when looking for jobs,” he said.

He explained that the policy should not be limited to specific sectors but applied broadly across all workplaces.

“We must ensure that in all jobs and companies, private, public, you must present evidence of a drug test with NACOC as the recognised institution to do it,” he stated.

Mr. Twum Barimah stressed that such a policy, if adopted nationally, could significantly reduce substance abuse, particularly among students and young job seekers.

“So when people know this, it will be one stroke point to help us curb the abuse of drugs among the youth, because if not, a time will come and it will be difficult for us to get young people as successors,” he warned.

He further noted that early enforcement could influence behaviour long before individuals enter the workforce.

“When we accept this as a national policy, people will be careful not to abuse drugs while in school,” he said.

He believes the move could drastically reduce drug abuse levels in the country, if not eliminate it entirely.