The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has disclosed that more than 6,000 applicants in Ghana’s ongoing security services recruitment exercise were disqualified after failing mandatory drug and mental health tests.
According to the Commission, the screening exercise marked the first time drug tests were included as part of the recruitment process for the country’s security services. The move was introduced to ensure that only physically and mentally fit individuals are enlisted into the various security agencies.
Deputy Director-General of NACOC, Alexander Twum-Barimah, revealed that over 4,000 applicants failed the drug screening, while about 2,000 others were disqualified after mental health assessments.
He explained that the drug tests screened applicants for five major substances—cocaine, heroin, amphetamines, cannabis and opioids—which can be detected in the body for up to 30 days after use.
Mr. Twum-Barimah said the Commission will not abandon the affected applicants. Instead, NACOC plans to enrol them in counselling programmes through its Counselling Directorate to help address substance abuse and support their rehabilitation.
He added that the findings have prompted discussions on introducing a national policy that would make drug screening a mandatory requirement for employment into state institutions.
The Commission also renewed calls for the establishment of a national drug rehabilitation centre, arguing that stronger intervention measures are needed to combat rising drug abuse among young people.
More than 100,000 applicants underwent medical examinations during the security recruitment exercise, making it one of the largest screening exercises conducted by the Ministry responsible for the recruitment process. Authorities say the enhanced screening is intended to improve professionalism and operational readiness within Ghana’s security services.
