Ghana Launches National Harm Reduction Guidelines for Persons Who Use Drugs

Ghana has taken a significant step forward in public health with the launch of the National Harm Reduction Guidelines for Persons Who Use Drugs, marking a historic shift in how the country responds to drug use. The guide was developed under the leadership of WAPCAS Plus in collaboration with the Ghana AIDS Commission, Ghana Health Service, the Narcotics Control Commission, the Ministry of Justice and Attorney General’s Department, the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice, the University of Ghana School of Public Health, and several institutions, including civil society organisations (including IDPC, WADPN and HRAG), with funding support from Genesis Analytics under the South-to-South Learning Network/i2i small grants mechanism.

Opening the event, the Executive Director of WAPCAS Plus, Madam Comfort Asamoah-Adu, welcomed stakeholders and commended the Persons Who Use Drugs (PUD) Technical Working Group and all partners for their dedication, commitment and resilience throughout the process. Reflecting on the journey, she acknowledged the challenges encountered and expressed appreciation to funding partners and the lead consultant for their support.

Madam Comfort emphasised the importance of collective effort going forward, noting that stakeholders must continue working together and make effective use of the guide to strengthen harm reduction services in the country. She further urged all actors to remain committed to implementation to drive meaningful progress. 

Speaking at the launch, the Director-General of the Ghana AIDS Commission, Dr Kharmacelle Prosper Akanbong, described the initiative as a landmark achievement and a major milestone for the country. He noted that Ghana had never had such a comprehensive framework before, and that its development reflects the dedication and resilience of all stakeholders involved. He stressed that the guideline is not the property of any single institution but a national tool that requires collective ownership to ensure its success. 

Also, a representative of the Narcotics Control Commission, the Acting Director in charge of Public Affairs and International Relations, Mr Sylvester Koomson, highlighted Ghana’s evolving approach to drug policy under the Narcotics Control Commission Act, 2020 (Act 1019). He emphasised that addiction must be understood not only as a criminal issue but also as a public health concern requiring care and support. He urged stakeholders to move beyond policy formulation to practical implementation, noting that clear evidence-based guidance is essential, but what matters most is how it is applied. 

The Chief Executive Officer of the Mental Health Authority, Dr Eugene Dordoye, underscored the human dimension of substance use, drawing attention to the need for empathy and compassion. He noted that when a person is in distress, the priority should be to provide support rather than judgment, stressing that addiction is closely linked to mental health and social challenges.

Dr Dordoye reinforced the view that addiction is not misconduct, but a condition that requires care and understanding. 

Delivering the keynote address, the Director of Public Health at the Ghana Health Service, Dr Franklin Aseidu-Bekoe, described the guidelines as a turning point in national policy. He observed that drug use has long been viewed through a criminal lens, but Ghana is now recognising it as a complex public health issue. He pointed out that stigma and fear have prevented many individuals from accessing care, thereby increasing the risk of HIV, hepatitis, and overdose. He emphasised that harm reduction saves lives, is cost-effective, and does not promote drug use, but rather focuses on preserving life and improving health outcomes. 

Furthermore, the consultant for the guidelines, Dr Joseph Oliver-Commey, outlined the principles underpinning the framework, noting that harm reduction is grounded in collaboration, compassion, empowerment, acceptance, and respect. He explained that the guide provides a rights-based and practical approach to reducing HIV and hepatitis B and C transmission, preventing overdose deaths, improving access to treatment and support services, and strengthening Ghana’s public health system. He also highlighted that the framework aligns with Ghana’s legal and policy environment, reinforcing the shift from criminalisation to a public health response. 

The guide outlines key priority interventions, including needle and syringe programmes, opioid agonist therapy such as methadone and buprenorphine, and overdose prevention and management using naloxone. It further emphasises flexible, community-based service delivery models to ensure that harm reduction services reach people where they are. Particular attention is given to overdose response, with a focus on managing overdoses within communities where they occur. 

In addition, the guidelines stress the importance of continuity of care, including within correctional settings, and call for integration with HIV, hepatitis, mental health, and primary healthcare systems. It also includes a phased implementation, beginning with pilot programmes that can be scaled up, supported by strong monitoring systems, community participation, and sustainable financing mechanisms involving government, development partners, and the private sector. 

The launch of the National Harm Reduction Guidelines represents a fundamental shift in Ghana’s response to drug use, moving away from stigma and punitive approaches toward science, compassion, and care. Stakeholders at the event emphasised that the true impact of the guidelines will depend on sustained collaboration and effective implementation across sectors.

Photo taken during the launch in Accra, Ghana. From L-R: Dr Ashinyo, Dr Franklin, Madam Comfort, Dr Eugene, and Mr Koomson

Ultimately, the guide represents more than a policy document; it embodies a national commitment to saving lives, strengthening public health systems, and building a more inclusive and supportive approach to care. 

Access the harm reduction guide here.