University of Ghana Strengthens Campus Safety with NACOC Partnership and Launches AfCFTA Entrepreneurship Initiative

The University of Ghana has intensified its focus on student welfare and career development through two major initiatives: a strategic partnership with the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) to combat substance abuse and the launch of a trade-focused entrepreneurship week. These efforts underscore the institution's commitment to fostering a safe campus environment while preparing students for the economic opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The dual-pronged approach seeks to protect students from contemporary social risks while equipping them with the tools needed for continental business success.

In a significant move to curb drug-related issues on campus, NACOC Director-General Major General Maxwell Obuba Mantey recently met with university officials to address the growing threat of cannabis-laced edibles. Major General Mantey emphasized that while enforcement remains a key pillar of their strategy, the commission is prioritizing prevention, education, and counseling. He specifically warned students to exercise caution during social gatherings and student events where unfamiliar food items might be distributed, noting that the sale of drug-infused snacks has become a point of high concern for the commission.

Representing the university, Rev. Dr. Mrs. Bridget Ben-Naimah reaffirmed the institution's zero-tolerance policy toward narcotics and its commitment to maintaining a drug-free environment. She highlighted that the university is strengthening its disciplinary measures against drug trafficking while simultaneously enhancing support services for students in need of assistance. This collaboration with NACOC is expected to lead to more robust awareness programs and enhanced preventive measures to safeguard the student body from the dangers of illicit substance use.

Parallel to these safety measures, the GITFiC-AfCFTA Club at the university has launched its Tertiary Students’ Week to inspire the next generation of African business leaders. Professor Rosina Foli, speaking at the launch of the weeklong celebrations, urged student entrepreneurs to look beyond the domestic market and leverage the AfCFTA framework to scale their businesses across the continent. The initiative includes a business pitch competition and networking sessions designed to bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world entrepreneurial practice in a unified African market.

Club President Felix Adu-Boahen echoed these sentiments, calling on his peers to actively participate in the club's activities to tap into the regional trade networks facilitated by the AfCFTA. By addressing the dual challenges of substance abuse and economic participation, the University of Ghana aims to ensure that its graduates are both healthy and competitively positioned to drive the continent's future growth. These initiatives reflect a broader trend in higher education where campus management involves both proactive security and the creation of specialized economic platforms for student development.