Ghana Police Enlist 140 Locals to Fight Drugs in Zongo Communities

In a bold step to tackle drug abuse and trafficking in Ghana’s Zongo communities, the Ghana Police Service has launched a community-based initiative to recruit and train 140 anti-drug volunteers.

The move aims to deepen collaboration between law enforcement and local residents, especially in areas most affected by drug-related activity.

This community policing effort follows a directive from the Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak, during a recent visit to Sabon Zongo in Accra. Speaking at a sensitisation programme on May 8, the minister emphasized the importance of empowering Zongo youth and restoring safety in these neighbourhoods.

“As part of government policy, we are taking deliberate steps to address drug trafficking in our Zongo communities,” the minister said. “Those who help arrest drug offenders will be prioritised for recruitment into the security services.”

The initiative has already enrolled 140 men and women into a local watchdog network.

These volunteers will work closely with the police to monitor drug hotspots, report suspicious activity, and help in arrests where necessary.

The idea is to make the fight against drugs a community effort, where residents take ownership of their neighbourhoods.

By involving locals, the programme aims to build trust between communities and police officers, which has often been strained due to lack of communication or fear of retaliation.

Organisers believe that when people feel empowered and supported, they are more likely to stand up against crime.

The Interior Minister also stressed that this is part of a larger strategy to open up more opportunities for the youth and steer them away from a life of crime.

“We must provide opportunities that steer our young people away from crime and give them the chance to contribute meaningfully to national development,” he stated.

Residents of Sabon Zongo have welcomed the initiative, seeing it as a hopeful sign that the government is serious about tackling the long-standing drug problem in the area.

The programme is expected to expand to other Zongo communities across the country in the coming months, offering more locals a role in securing their streets and shaping a safer future.