Job seekers may face compulsory drug tests under new government proposal

The Minister of Interior, Mohammed-Mubarak Muntaka, has announced that the government is considering an Executive Order to make drug testing compulsory for people seeking employment in both the public and private sectors.

According to the minister, the proposed policy aims to protect workplace safety, safeguard institutional integrity, and discourage drug use among the youth and working population.

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Speaking in Parliament on June 25, 2026, Muntaka said the government was considering the measure as part of efforts to strengthen Ghana's fight against drug abuse.

"...Introduce an executive order that makes mandatory drug tests as a pre-employment requisite for entry into the public service and the private sector to safeguard institutional integrity, promote workplace safety, and deter drug use among the youth and working population," he said.

The minister stressed that tackling drug abuse requires more than law enforcement and called for a broader national response.

"Mr Speaker, effective drug control is not solely a law enforcement matter. It demands a whole-of-government and a whole-of-society approach that integrates enforcement with prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation," he stated.

He urged Parliament to support measures aimed at strengthening the country's drug control efforts, including increased funding for intelligence, interception and forensic analysis, tighter regulation of chemicals and pharmaceutical products, and the establishment of rehabilitation centres in all 16 regions.

“I call on this House to support the government in considering the following priorities: oversight, very effectively, the budgetary allocation to close critical capacity gaps in intelligence, interception, and forensic analysis.

“Strengthen the regulatory framework for precursors, chemicals, and the pharmaceutical supply chain to curb the diversion of substances like tramadol. Establish national rehabilitation centers, particularly one in every region, to meet the needs of Ghanaians suffering from substance use disorders,” he continued.

Muntaka also called for expanded drug education programmes in schools, communities, and workplaces to reduce drug abuse among young people.

“Expand drug education and demand reduction programs in schools, communities, and workplaces targeting youth who remain most vulnerable,” he stated.

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He added that drug addiction should be treated primarily as a public health issue rather than only a criminal matter.

"Mr Speaker, the global consensus has increasingly affirmed that drug addiction is first and foremost a public health issue and not simply a criminal one," he said.

Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka, Minister for the Interior, says government is considering an Executive Order to make drug testing mandatory for employment in both the public and private sectors.

The proposed measure is aimed at promoting workplace safety and discouraging drug use… pic.twitter.com/PuRaBmLBsJ

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