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GJA Marks 77 Years of Journalism, Press Freedom and National Service

The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has marked its 77th anniversary, celebrating more…

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Renewsgh Team
International Federation of Journalists.

IFJ Condemns Military Training of Journalists in Burkina Faso

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has condemned the mandatory military training…

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Renewsgh Team
ECOWAS gives water to communities.

From Floodwaters to New Hope: ECOWAS Supports Vulnerable Liberian Communities

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has reaffirmed its commitment…

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Renewsgh Team
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has called for stronger systems to generate reliable, timely and comprehensive data on drug use and trafficking across the region to support effective policy responses. Head of the Prevention and Drug Control Division at the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Daniel Amankwaah, said the changing nature of the drug situation in West Africa requires policymakers and other stakeholders to have access to accurate and up-to-date evidence. He made the call at the closing ceremony of a capacity-building workshop for the Nigerian Epidemiological Network on Drug Use (NENDU) held on Thursday, August 13, 2026, in Lagos, Nigeria. Dr. Amankwaah stressed that effective drug policies must be grounded in credible evidence, noting that without reliable information on the scale, patterns and emerging trends in drug use, interventions could fail to address the real needs of affected populations. Data critical to effective response According to him, strengthening drug-use data collection and analysis is essential to enabling governments to understand emerging patterns and design appropriate prevention, treatment and control measures. He emphasised that “an effective policy relies on reliable data,” making a strong case for sustained investment in epidemiological surveillance and evidence-based approaches to drug control. The ECOWAS official also highlighted the importance of strengthening national data systems and ensuring that information generated by different institutions can contribute to a broader regional understanding of the drug situation. Building stronger national capacity The workshop for NENDU formed part of efforts to strengthen the capacity of professionals involved in collecting, analysing and reporting data on drug use in Nigeria. Such capacity-building initiatives are expected to improve the quality and availability of evidence needed by policymakers, health professionals, law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders. A stronger evidence base can also help countries identify vulnerable populations, monitor changes in drug-use patterns and assess whether prevention and treatment programmes are achieving their intended results. Regional cooperation needed The call comes amid the need for greater cooperation among ECOWAS Member States in addressing drug-related challenges, which increasingly transcend national borders. ECOWAS continues to encourage Member States to strengthen coordination, information sharing and evidence-based policymaking as part of efforts to address drug-related health and security challenges. The development of reliable regional data could therefore provide a stronger foundation for coordinated interventions, resource allocation and monitoring of progress across West Africa. Dr. Amankwaah's message was clear: West Africa cannot effectively confront an evolving drug situation without first knowing its true scale, patterns and impact. Reliable data, he stressed, must remain at the centre of the region's drug prevention and control efforts.

ECOWAS advocates reliable updated data to tackle East Africa’s evolting drug situation

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has called for stronger…

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Renewsgh Team
Rebecca Ekpe making a presentation at an Inter-Party Dialogue.

Media Ethics key to political Tolerance-Rebecca Ekpe

Vice President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Rebecca Ekpe, has called…

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Renewsgh Team
Rumbidzai Kandawasvika‑Nhundu, Principal Adviser Democracy and Inclusion, International IDEA- middle with Officials at Kigali Training.

When the Media Changes the Story, It Can Change Who Leads

By Rebecca Ekpe The struggle for inclusive leadership is not fought only…

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Renewsgh Team
Rebecca Ekpe, GJA Vice President

When Government Is Close but Power Is Still Far Away: Rethinking Decentralisation in Ghana

By Rebecca Ekpe Ghana has brought government administratively closer to citizens, but…

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Renewsgh Team
Gender Ministerv , Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey

Ghana receives final work plan for AU Champion on Gender and Development

Ghana has received the final Work plan for the African Union Champion…

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Renewsgh Team
Outreach Action for women in Carbo Verde.

ECOWAS steps up outreach action for women in vulnerable situations

As part of the initiatives organized by the ECOWAS Representation in Cabo…

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Renewsgh Team
Generating electricity on your own roof:According to IAB calculations, some 160,000 additional workers will be required across the country by 2030 to expand renewable energy sources such as wind power and photovoltaics. Photo: Andreas Arnold/dpa

ECOWAS advances regional carbon market platform to mobilize climate finance

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is advancing efforts to…

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Renewsgh Team