Ghana National Dialogue on drug policy, human rights and health: Advancing from law to implementation

The Ghana National Dialogue on Drug Policy, Human Rights and Health: Advancing from Law to Implementation, held in Accra on 8–9 July 2026, brought together 121 participants from government institutions, the judiciary, law enforcement agencies, health professionals, civil society, development partners, academia and representatives of affected communities. The aim was to review Ghana's progress in implementing the Narcotics Control Commission Act, 2020 (Act 1019) and identify priority actions for strengthening implementation. Building on the outcomes of the first National Dialogue in 2022, the meeting focused on translating legislative reforms into coordinated action that advances public health, protects human rights and improves access to services for people who use drugs.

Participants acknowledged Ghana's progress in advancing a public health-oriented approach to drug policy through legal reforms, the development of national policies, harm reduction guidelines, initiatives to provide alternatives to incarceration, and strengthened institutional capacity. However, they also identified persistent implementation challenges, including delays in operationalizing key legislative instruments, inconsistent application of Act 1019, limited treatment and rehabilitation services, inadequate financing, weak coordination, and continued stigma and discrimination. The National Dialogue emphasized the need to strengthen diversion pathways, harm reduction services, expand evidence-based prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, mental health and psychosocial support, improve community participation, and enhance institutional accountability through stronger coordination and monitoring.

Discussions also highlighted Ghana's readiness to introduce Opioid Agonist Treatment (OAT) through a phased approach supported by appropriate regulatory frameworks, sustainable financing, workforce development and community engagement. The Dialogue concluded with renewed commitments from government, development partners and civil society to accelerate implementation of Act 1019, strengthen multisectoral collaboration, and translate recommendations into measurable actions before the next meeting in this series. Collectively, participants reaffirmed Ghana's commitment to advancing a people-centred, evidence-informed and human rights-based drug policy that improves health outcomes and strengthens community safety.

This report summarizes the discussions and conclusions of the Ghana National Dialogue. It does not reflect the institutional positions of the co-hosting or participating parties.