Drug-Fueled Driving Raises Alarm as Authorities Intensify Road Safety Crackdown

Beposo (W/R), April 7, – The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has cautioned drivers against the use of drugs and so-called energy enhancement substances while driving, warning that the practice poses serious risks to road safety.

Assistant Narcotics Control Officer (ANCO) Andrew Garshong, Cape Coast Metropolitan NACOC Enforcement Head, said the intake of such substances could impair judgment and endanger lives.

He gave the caution during a joint enforcement and safety education exercise at Beposo along the Takoradi–Cape Coast N1 Highway, organised by the Western Regional Office of the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) in collaboration with its Central Regional counterpart.

The exercise brought together officials from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), the Motor Transport and Traffic Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service, and NACOC.

ANCO Garshong expressed concern about the increasing trend of drivers mixing energy drinks with alcohol and other substances in an attempt to stay alert behind the wheel.

“Some of the drivers go about mixing energy drinks, drinking alcohol, and all sort of substances to boost their energy, but those things put all road users at risk, so they should desist from such acts,” he said.

Mr Victor Kojo Bilson, the Western Regional Head of the NRSA, noted that road traffic crashes were fast becoming a national security concern, necessitating intensified public education and strict enforcement.

He emphasised that road safety remained a shared responsibility and urged all categories of road users to comply with safety regulations.

Mr Bilson further advised drivers to avoid excessive speeding, overloading, wrongful overtaking, and driving while fatigued, while ensuring regular vehicle maintenance to enhance safety, particularly during the festive season.

Mr Eric B. Owusu, Technician Engineer at the Takoradi DVLA Office, also urged drivers to ensure their vehicles met roadworthy standards and that they carried valid licences and documentation at all times.

GHBUSS

April 7, 2026