The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) is proposing mandatory drug testing for students seeking admission to universities and graduates preparing for national service as part of measures to tackle drug abuse among young people.
Deputy Director-General Alexander Twum-Barimah said drug screening should be incorporated into the routine medical examination required for university admission to help identify students who use drugs early and provide appropriate intervention. He also expressed concern over reports of students using drugs to enhance academic performance during examinations.
Mr Twum-Barimah further proposed that drug testing should become a compulsory requirement before graduates begin their national service, arguing that the policy would deter substance abuse by making students aware they would be screened before advancing to the next stage of their careers.
He added that NACOC supports sharing drug test results with prospective employers, who would then decide how to use the information during recruitment. According to him, the proposed measures form part of broader efforts to reduce drug abuse and promote a drug-free workforce in Ghana.