Accra | May 27, 2025 — The Ghana Police Service has initiated steps to formally integrate neighborhood watchdog groups into its operations as part of a renewed effort to combat drug peddling and abuse, with a focus on Zongo communities.
The initiative is in response to a directive from the Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak, who visited Sabon Zongo in Accra earlier this month and called for community-led solutions to address the escalating drug problem.
Speaking during a sensitization programme on May 8 at Sabon Zongo, Minister Muntaka pledged to prioritize recruitment into the security services for community members—especially those who assist in arresting drug offenders.
“This is part of a broader government strategy to curb drug trafficking and abuse. We must empower the Zongo youth not only through security initiatives but also with sustainable, socioeconomic programmes,” he stated.
Community Involvement at the Core
The newly recognized watchdog groups, made up of both men and women, will play a frontline role in identifying drug peddling hotspots, gathering intelligence, and supporting police action.
So far, approximately 140 individuals have been enrolled in the programme, which will serve as a decentralized, grassroots-driven response to the drug menace in vulnerable communities.
The Ghana Police Service is expected to formalize training and operational protocols for these groups to ensure effective collaboration and respect for human rights in their operations.
The Interior Ministry and the Police leadership have committed to scaling up the initiative nationwide if proven successful in Zongo communities, signaling a stronger community-security partnership model.
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