The Ghana Police Service has rolled out an initiative to engage local residents into its operations as part of a broader strategy to curb drug peddling and abuse, with a specific focus on Zongo communities.

This development comes in response to a directive by the Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak, during his recent visit to Sabon Zongo in Accra.

The minister had pledged to support the inclusion of individuals who aid in the arrest of drug offenders into the national security services.

“As part of government policy, we are taking deliberate steps to address drug trafficking in our Zongo communities. Those who help arrest drug offenders will be prioritised for recruitment into the security services,” he stated during a sensitisation programme held at Sabon Zongo on Thursday, 8 May.

The watchdog groups, which consist of both men and women, are expected to identify and monitor drug peddling hotspots while supporting police operations in a decentralised and community-focused manner.

This approach aims to build trust between law enforcement and local residents. So far, around 140 individuals have been enrolled in the programme.

The Interior Minister further reaffirmed the government’s commitment to empowering Zongo youth, stating that, “We must provide opportunities that steer our young people away from crime and give them the chance to contribute meaningfully to national development.”