The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) launched its Pilot Project on Alternative to Incarceration (ATI) in West Africa with Ghana as the pioneer Member State. The project was inaugurated during a five-day workshop from June 3 to June 7, 2024, in Accra, Ghana. The event was held in partnership with Enhancing Africa’s Response to Transnational Organized Crime (ENACT Africa) and the Ghana Narcotics Control Commission (NCC), attracting multi-sectoral stakeholders.
In his welcome remarks, ECOWAS Resident Representative in Ghana, Ambassador Baba Gana Wakil, extended greetings on behalf of the ECOWAS President and expressed gratitude to partners and staff of the ECOWAS Drug Division. He emphasized the global persistence of substance abuse and highlighted the inadequacy of punitive measures in addressing it. Ambassador Wakil noted a shift towards Alternatives to Incarceration due to these challenges. He also highlighted ECOWAS Commission’s contributions to drug demand reduction in the region and its commitment to supporting treatment and rehabilitation for Persons Who Use Drugs (PWUDs).
Michele Worobiec, Director of the International Consortium for Alternatives to Incarceration (ICATI), joined online from the USA alongside Dr. Christian Ani of ENACT Africa. They expressed their organizations’ enthusiasm towards partnering with ECOWAS to implement ATI strategies and foster drug demand reduction.
Delivering the opening address, Director General of the Ghana Narcotics Control Commission Kenneth Adu-Amanfoh emphasized the societal impact of substance use disorders and noted that traditional incarceration methods are inadequate for addressing addiction. He highlighted Ghana’s progressive steps toward prioritizing health and human rights in drug policy, including enacting the Narcotics Control Commission Act 2020 and establishing a Substance Use Disorder Rehabilitation Fund. While expressing gratitude to collaborating organizations and individuals, he underscored Ghana’s leadership in drug reform within the region.
The ATI Pilot Project aims to promote a coordinated response by providing drug treatment as an alternative to incarceration for individuals struggling with substance use disorders. The project seeks to train relevant stakeholders on alternatives for PWUDs and initiate a specialized court docket program known as "Recovery Court," shifting focus from incarceration to treatment and recovery.
This event marks a significant step in ECOWAS's ongoing efforts against drug abuse, demonstrating commitment through collaborative measures aimed at public health and safety. The discussions from this workshop are anticipated to influence future actions significantly, leading to more effective management of drug abuse across the region.
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