Joseph Bukari Nikpe, the Minister of Transport, has charged the Board of Directors of agencies under the ministry not to interfere in the management of the various institutions they are expected to lead.

He tasked members of the re-constituted boards to abide by good governance principles and collaborate with managerial staff to help attain the objectives of the Government and the respective organisations.

Mr Nikpe said this on Wednesday during the inauguration of the Governing Boards of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA), and the Metro Mass Transit Limited (MMT) in Accra.

He urged the various institutions to continue to deliver on their mandates while the Government provided the necessary policy direction and guidelines to achieve the set goals.

He tasked the GPHA Board to, among other objectives, to prioritise reducing the cost of doing business at the ports and explore private sector partnerships to develop the Keta Port as “a complementary petroleum products delivery hub.”

For the MMT, he said the company would play a crucial role in the government’s agenda of introducing a welfare system for citizens aged 60 years and above, whereas the GMA would continue to ensure safety and security of the maritime sector.

“…An efficient and robust maritime sector, complemented by enhanced infrastructure and efficient operations will incentivise players in the maritime sector to operate 24-hours, with potential to positively impact other sectors of the Ghanaian economy,” Mr Nipke said.

“I, therefore, expect the Board to provide guidance to management of GMA towards achieving the safety, security and environmental mandate of the Authority.”

“…Under the governance framework, the Board is under the supervision of the Ministry and report directly to it. The Board should not under any circumstance deal with other authorities above the Ministry without due consultation.”

He pledged the Ministry’s support for the directors in achieving their objectives, emphasising his openness to positive feedback and commitment to leading the government’s transformational agenda.

Johnson Aseidu Nketia, the Chairman of the GPHA Board, pledged to tap into various expertise to help manage the port effectively.

Other GPHA Board Members are Brigadier General Paul Seidu Tanye-Kulono, Mrs Mabel Asi Sagoe, Mr Tebon Zumah, Capt. James Richmond Quayson, Prof. Ransford Edward Van Gyampo, Mr Stephane Abbas Meizan, Mr Adam Imoru Ayarna, Mr Ebenezer Perry Ellis, and Mr Dan Abdul-Latif (MP).

The GMA Board comprises Madam Jemilat Jawulaa Mahamah (Chairperson), Dr Kamal-Deen Ali, Capt. Navy Rtd, Mr Richard Fedieley, Dr. Eric Cobbinah, Rear Admiral Godwin Livinus Bessing, Mr. Edward Ekow Obeng-Kenzo, Dr. Patrick Essien, Brg. Gen. Paul Seidu Tanye-Kulono, Prof. Ransford Edward Van Gyampo, Mr. Stephen T. Adjokatcher, Mad. Catherine Dela Dzivenu, Mad. Esther Gyebi-Donkor.

That of GMA include Okogyeman Kweku Gyamprah III (Chairman), Mr. Kale Cezar, Mr. Eric Tetteh Addision, Mr. Ebow Quayson, Mr. Kojo Adu- Asare, Ms. Sylvia Naa Kwakai Nyante, Ms. Anne Judith Agbodo, Ms. Rita Essien, and Mr. Abdul-Samad Fatimah Gomba.

The Board Chairpersons of GMA and MMT expressed readiness to work within the confines of the law and ensure their respective organisations contributed to national development.

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Stanbic Bank Ghana has successfully launched the maiden edition of Stanbic Trade Connect, a new initiative designed to prepare Ghanaian entrepreneurs and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) for entry into the global market.   

Held under the theme: “Global Gateway: Preparing Your Business for the International Market,” the event brought together business owners across various sectors.    

Speaking to participants, Eric Tsiri, Head of Enterprise Banking at Stanbic Bank, said the platform aimed to equip local entrepreneurs with the knowledge, network, and tools needed to scale beyond Ghana’s borders.   

This follows the recurring challenge of many businesses who are eager to expand internationally, however, lack the essential knowledge and resources to do so.  

“This is not just another training session. We want to walk with you, explore markets together, foster partnerships, and connect you to opportunities beyond Ghana. Today is about preparing you to take your rightful place in international trade,” he said.  

He encouraged participants to embrace the mindset of global entrepreneurs.   

“Start thinking beyond your current market. Somewhere out there, the world is waiting for the unique solution or product you offer. Make the most of today. Engage, network, learn and acquire the right tools you need to build and transform your business, in turn, our national economy,” he emphasized.  

Manager of the Stanbic Bank Incubator, Mr. Hamza Mumuni, further highlighted access to funding as one of the most pressing challenges facing the SMEs.   

He explained that the incubator programme was designed to bridge this gap by helping businesses reach a level of maturity that attracts investors and lenders.    

According to him, “Funding is a major hurdle for SMEs, especially within our conventional banking systems. Through our incubator, we’re working to connect businesses with soft loans, grants, and other support mechanisms to strengthen their operations. We want to support businesses to grow to a point where they can walk into a bank and say, ‘This is what I’ve built. I’m ready to scale. Partner with me,” he said.  

Taking his turn, Anthony Morrison, CEO of the Chamber of Agribusiness Ghana, underscored the importance of safeguarding business innovations and identity.   

“One of the biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make is neglecting their intellectual property. That is what defines your competitive advantage. Before you think export, think IP protection. It’s the cornerstone of sustainable business success.”  

The Stanbic Trade Connect initiative forms part of the bank’s broader commitment to supporting the private sector, particularly SMEs, which are widely regarded as the engine of Ghana’s economic growth.  

Source: GNA   

Akosua Manu [L] and suspended Chief Justice, Gertrude Torkonoo

Suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Sackey Torkornoo was spotted in high spirits on Wednesday, June 25, as she shared a warm and light-hearted moment with the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) 2024 parliamentary candidate for Adenta, Akosua Manu, popularly known as Kozie.

The interaction took place shortly after the embattled Chief Justice concluded a media briefing. A video circulating online captures the politician embracing Mrs. Torkornoo with a warm hug, followed by a handshake with the Chief Justice’s husband, who was standing nearby.

Kozie, clad in a beautiful outfit, then introduced herself to the suspended CJ, who responded with a broad smile. “Okay, this is my first time of meeting you,” Mrs. Torkornoo said, clearly pleased by the encounter.

In a tone that suggested amusement at potential public speculation, the suspended head of the judiciary added, “This is my first time of meeting you, but they will say I am NPP,” prompting laughter from those around her. She then turned to nearby onlookers, reportedly members of the media, and reiterated, “This is the first time I am meeting her, I beg you.”

After the brief but cheerful exchange, the Chief Justice proceeded to her waiting Toyota Land Cruiser V8 and departed the venue.

Mrs. Torkornoo is currently facing suspension in connection with ongoing investigations, but Wednesday’s moment of levity appeared to offer a brief reprieve from the legal and political spotlight surrounding her.

Akosua Manu, affectionately known as Kozzy, is the NPP’s candidate for the Adenta constituency in the upcoming December elections and is widely recognized for her grassroots engagement and strong media presence.

Chief Justice press conference was organized by the NPP 👀 pic.twitter.com/oa37hnCut4

— Popo🇰🇼🇬🇭 (@Popony_J) June 25, 2025

KA

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The newly inducted members comprise: 4 FCILT, 36 MILT and 48 members

The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), Ghana, has inducted 88 new members into its fold in Accra on June 25, 2025, reinforcing its commitment to professionalism and ethical standards within the logistics, transport, and supply chain sectors.

The induction ceremony, held under the theme “Upholding Professional Standards and Values for National Development,” marks a significant milestone for the Institute, as it was the first stand-alone induction event in its history, a moment recognized and celebrated by industry leaders and stakeholders present.

The newly inducted members comprise:

•4 Chartered Fellows (FCILT)

•36 Chartered Members (CMILT)

•48 Members

Engr Mark Amoamah, President of CILT Ghana, highlighted the importance of the event. “Your presence here today signifies not just an event, but a shared commitment to professionalism and the advancement of the supply chain, logistics, and transport sectors,” he noted.

He encouraged the new members to embrace their responsibilities with passion and integrity, stating, “You are not inducted today to go to sleep.

“Your ideas, dedication, and commitment are vital to our mission to shape a robust, efficient, and ethical logistics and transport ecosystem in Ghana.”

Engr Amoamah also urged inductees to participate actively in the activities of CILT across its existing sections in Accra, Kumasi, Takoradi, Tema, and Sunyani, with Northern and Tarkwa sections expected to launch soon.

Delivering the keynote address, Dr Ebo Hammond, immediate past president of CILT Ghana, emphasised the critical role logistics and transport play in national development.

“When goods move efficiently from source to destination, businesses grow, costs decrease, and consumers benefit,” he said.

Dr Hammond challenged the inductees to go beyond academic and professional achievements and embrace ethical values as cornerstones of their professional conduct.

He recommended the “Three H” Model for professional excellence: Head (knowledge), Hands (skills), and Heart (values).

He also introduced FACETIEE, an acronym representing the key values needed for sustainable development: Fairness, Accountability, Competition, Ethical Standards, Transparency, Integrity, Economy (Value for Money), Effectiveness, and Efficiency.

“This membership is a pledge to uphold the highest ethical standards and to contribute meaningfully to the progress of our profession and our nation,” Dr Hammond emphasised.

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President John Mahama has revealed details of high-level talks held with philanthropist Bill Gates in Brussels on Tuesday.

He said it was focused on Ghana’s health sector interventions and ongoing reforms aimed at expanding access to quality care.

The meeting took place ahead of the Gavi Vaccine Alliance pledging session, where global leaders and donors are expected to commit financial support to vaccine programmes in developing countries.

In a post on his official Facebook page, Mahama described the engagement as “productive,” highlighting discussions on the Free Primary Healthcare programme, the development of the National Vaccine Institute, and the impact of uncapping the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIS) — a move he said is already improving healthcare access and financing in Ghana.

“These meetings underscore the importance of international collaboration and sustained investment in health systems to build a healthier future for all,” Mahama noted.

He also expressed gratitude to Mr. Gates and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for their continued philanthropic investment in Ghana, particularly through the Gavi Vaccine Alliance, which plays a critical role in immunisation efforts across low- and middle-income countries.

In a separate meeting, Mahama engaged José Manuel Barroso, Chair of the Gavi Board and former President of the European Commission.

According to Mahama, Barroso thanked him for his long-standing support for Gavi’s vaccine replenishment campaigns, which fund the procurement and delivery of life-saving vaccines worldwide.

President Mahama reaffirmed his commitment to championing Gavi’s mission, stating: “Supporting an organisation that is doing such crucial work for global health is always a pleasure.”

The president is expected to participate in the pledging session, where he will advocate for sustained and increased support for Gavi’s work — reinforcing Ghana’s role as both a beneficiary and a global health advocate on the international stage.

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Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has called for a bold shift in Ghana’s development strategy from reliance on traditional aid models to one that centres on people-powered financing and civic ownership.

This comes as the country navigates a new era of shrinking aid flows and rising economic pressures.

Addressing the opening of the 2025 Ghana Civil Society Forum in Accra, she urged civil society, government, and development partners to co-create a “new social contract” that puts citizens at the heart of decision-making.

She called on civil society organisations to play a central role in shaping how resources were mobilised, allocated, and utilised to advance inclusive and sustainable development.

“Development financing is not just about money. It is about power and agency. We must reimagine financing and reclaim civic action,” she declared.

The Vice President said Ghana should become a country where grassroots efforts align with purposeful investment, where transparency goes hand in hand with citizen empowerment, and where development priorities reflect the needs of everyday people.

Held on the theme: “Reimagining Development Financing and Civic Action – Challenges, Opportunities, and the Way Forward,” the two-day national forum has convened over 500 participants drawn from CSOs, academia, development partners, government, private sector, and the media.

It was spearheaded by the STAR-Ghana Foundation in partnership with Oxfam, WACSI, Transparency International Ghana, and others.

The Vice President, who called for more national discourses on sustainable development financing, also highlighted an urgent need for more democratic and domestically grounded approaches.

She stressed that reforms must include enabling laws, such as the upcoming Non-Profit Bill, to protect and nurture civil society while enhancing transparency.

“Our government is committed to building structured platforms for dialogue with civil society and reforming regulatory frameworks to ensure civic actors are not just watchdogs but co-creators of policy,” she said.

Prof Opoku-Agyemang also pointed to Ghana’s youthful population as a powerful engine of civic change, urging CSOs to prioritise youth-led innovations, digital engagement, and grassroots mobilisation.

“With nearly six in ten Ghanaians under 25, our greatest asset is our people, young, vibrant, and full of potential,” she said, and that “this is the time to build a social contract rooted in co-ownership of Ghana’s development journey.”

Dr Nii Moi Thompson, Chairman of the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), challenged CSOs to rise to the occasion by embracing what he called a “productivity revolution” — an internal transformation to boost efficiency, transparency, and public trust.

“Raising money is one thing, but using it efficiently is another,” Dr Thompson emphasised and “Donors and citizens alike want to know how their money is being used. Civil society must be ready to answer that.”

Drawing from his own background in policy, civil society, and governance, Dr Thompson emphasised that the pivot toward domestic resource mobilisation was not only necessary but inevitable.

“There’s growing fatigue in the donor world, and CSOs must now look inward. That means innovation, partnerships, and above all, credibility,” he said, warning against internal inefficiencies and credibility deficits that could erode public support.

He advocated homegrown strategies such as digital fundraising, diaspora giving, social enterprises, and impact investing.

He, however, stressed that those strategies would only work if CSOs restructured internally and proved they could deliver results at scale.

Ibrahim-Tanko Amidu, Executive Director, STAR-Ghana Foundation, provided the context for the Forum, noting that while the civil society space in Ghana had grown in reach and representation, it now faced a defining challenge.

He said, “We are at an inflexion point. The aid landscape is changing. Resources are shrinking. Civic legitimacy is being questioned. And young people are organising in ways that defy traditional models.”

He described the current financing model, largely dependent on foreign donors, as unsustainable, especially amid global shifts in development priorities toward security and private-sector interventions.

The time, the Executive Director argued, was ripe for structural reform and values-based reconnection with communities.

“How are priorities set? Who benefits from development financing? Whose voices matter? These are the questions we must now answer honestly,” he said.

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Minister of Environment, Science and Technology Dr Murtala Muhammed

The government is preparing new legislation that will require plastic producers to bear part of the cost of collecting and recycling plastic waste, Minister of Environment, Science and Technology, Dr. Murtala Muhammed, has announced.

The proposed law, currently under development, will introduce a mandatory Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework aimed at financing waste collection and recycling systems. It will draw lessons from similar policies implemented in Kenya, South Korea, and the European Union (EU).

This move is part of a broader push to address Ghana’s worsening plastic pollution problem. It follows a government plan to ban the importation and production of Styrofoam plastics.

President John Dramani Mahama recently announced that his administration will phase out Styrofoam food packaging, describing it as a major contributor to environmental pollution. He said the Ministry of Environment would work closely with manufacturers and importers to ensure a smooth transition to more sustainable alternatives.

Ghana generates an estimated 1.1 million tonnes of plastic waste annually – with more than half left uncollected and only about 9 percent recycled, according to official data.

Speaking at the opening session of the 2025 Environmental Sustainability Summit (ESS), Dr. Muhammed warned that the environmental toll is costing the national economy over US$56 billion each year – equivalent to nearly 11 percent of gross domestic product (GDP).

Referencing existing regulations and policies on plastic use, he stated: “We have frameworks such as the National Plastics Management Policy and the Hazardous and Electronic Waste Control Act. We have levies to fund sanitation. But gaps remain – enforcement is weak, responsibilities overlap, and planning is fragmented.”

The minister added that under the prevailing “take, make, use, and discard” approach to plastic use, “between 1990 and 2017, our raw material consumption more than doubled, with plastic consumption per capita rising from 5.7 kilogrammes to 7.4 kilogrammes.”

“A throwaway culture has displaced traditional, low-impact practices, and our infrastructure is unable to support this shift,” he said.

However, he noted that the government envisions a circular economy that regenerates natural systems, retains value in products and materials, and eliminates waste.

“Ghana’s circular economy roadmap sets the direction. It targets six sectors, including plastics, and proposes cross-sector solutions to accelerate innovation and reduce environmental burdens.

“This national agenda aligns with global movements. We actively engage in the African Circular Economy Alliance, the Global Plastic Action Partnership, and negotiations for a UN plastics treaty. Ghana is not just participating – we are helping shape the future,” he stated.

In support of the transition, Dr. Muhammed cited estimates showing that circular practices “could increase our GDP by 1.9 percent by 2030 – nearly €1.9 billion – and save between €200 million and €300 million in imports.”

He projected that over 60,000 green jobs could emerge, particularly in recycling, innovation, and manufacturing, if the transition is properly implemented.

“Conversely, failure to act will deepen environmental degradation, raise healthcare costs, and hinder tourism and agriculture,” he cautioned.

This year’s ESS-2025 – an annual event organised by the Business and Financial Times (B&FT) – was held under the theme ‘Ending Plastic Waste in Ghana: A Sustainable Future for All’.

In his welcome remarks, B&FT Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Godwin Acquaye, noted that plastic is ubiquitous in the country – from sachet water to packaging – and poses serious environmental challenges.

“This plastic threat clogs our drainage systems, leading to severe flooding as seen during Accra’s 2023 floods. It damages fisheries and disrupts tourism, in addition to causing other economic costs,” he said.

Dr. Acquaye acknowledged ongoing efforts to address the challenge, stating: “The National Plastics Management Policy and Ghana’s membership in the Global Plastic Action Partnership aim to establish a circular plastics roadmap.”

He also referenced the Global Environment Facility (GEF)-funded circular economy framework, which targets zero plastic leakage into water bodies by 2040.

“Efforts are being made to strengthen waste segregation, collection systems, and recycling infrastructure in line with global best practices,” he added.

As an example, he highlighted the role of private-sector innovators like Trashy Bags Africa, which has collected over 30 million plastic sachets and repurposed them into bags and school supplies.

National Chairman of the NDC, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, has warned against proposals for political parties to officially sponsor candidates in elections for Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs).

He describes such a move as dangerous and counterproductive.

Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express on Wednesday, June 25, Asiedu Nketia said that while political actors will naturally support individuals aligned with their ideology, sponsoring candidates formally as a party would erode the neutrality expected in local governance and deepen partisanship at the community level.

“People are contesting on their own merit, even though they may be party people. That is what we know happens now,” he said.

“If I go to contest in an electoral area, everybody knows that I’m the National Chairman of NDC. So if I win, NDC will claim to have won — but I’m not being sponsored by the NDC.”

He insisted that forcing parties to sponsor candidates would come with costs and dangerous implications.

“If you say NDC should sponsor, it comes with a cost. It comes with many other implications,” he said.

“In the course of doing my work, I will have to satisfy my partisan constituency instead of the whole community — and that comes with consequences.”

He argued that non-partisan elections allow candidates to focus on serving their communities, rather than appeasing party interests.

Asiedu Nketia acknowledged that political parties will always have a stake in who wins, but maintained that wishing for a like-minded candidate to win is not the same as funding and owning the process.

“Parties will wish candidates aligned to their cause will win, and so on. It is not the same thing as a party sponsoring the candidate.”

His comments come amid renewed debate over whether Ghana should hold partisan or non-partisan elections for local government heads.

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The event brought together government officials, regulators, entrepreneurs, and venture capitalists

The First Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr Zakari Mumuni, has reaffirmed the central bank’s commitment to fostering responsible innovation as a catalyst for financial inclusion.

He urged stronger collaboration between regulators, startups, and policymakers to unlock Ghana’s economic potential.

Speaking at the AyaHQ Public-Private Sector Roundtable in Accra on June 25, 2025, Dr Mumuni highlighted the Bank’s proactive stance on emerging financial technologies such as digital assets, open banking, and the e-Cedi. These innovations, he said, are being developed to promote safe, inclusive, and efficient financial ecosystems.

“Ghana is witnessing rapid digitalisation in financial services — from mobile money to AI-enabled platforms — and the Bank of Ghana is ensuring this growth occurs within a robust, risk-managed framework,” he stated.

He cited key interventions, including the Payment Systems and Services Act (2019), the establishment of a regulatory sandbox for FinTechs, and the deployment of supervisory intelligence tools like ORASS and the Financial Industry Command Security Operations Centre (FICSOC).

Dr Mumuni also emphasized that financial innovation must not undermine system stability.

“We’re not just encouraging innovation for its own sake. We’re building the regulatory architecture to manage cyber risks, money laundering, and ensure consumer protection — while still providing room for bold experimentation,” he noted.

He revealed that the Bank is exploring next-generation digital infrastructure projects, including Universal Trusted Credentials (UTCs) and Digital Economy Semi-Fungible Tokens (DESFTs), aimed at expanding access to cross-border trade and financing opportunities, especially for Ghanaian SMEs.

Dr Mumuni concluded his remarks with an open invitation to innovators and startups:

“The Bank of Ghana will continue to engage and support Ghana’s startup ecosystem in order to push the frontiers of financial digitisation. This is a journey we must take together.”

The roundtable, themed “Unlocking Economic Opportunity Through Innovation: Bridging Startups, Policy, and Capital in Ghana,” brought together government officials, regulators, entrepreneurs, and venture capitalists to co-create a vision for an innovation-led Ghanaian economy.

The Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations pledged renewed support for Ghana’s startup and innovation ecosystem, highlighting ongoing legislative reforms, youth digital training initiatives, and calls for deeper collaboration between the public and private sectors.

Delivering remarks on behalf of the Minister, Samuel Nartey George, Director of Innovations Emmanuel Ofori stated that Ghana’s future prosperity hinges on “our ability to harness ideas, mobilise capital, and empower our people — especially the youth.”

He spotlighted the Ministry’s flagship One Million Coders Programme, which aims to equip one million young Ghanaians with coding and digital skills.

“We’ve already piloted training for 560 youth, maintaining a deliberate 50-50 gender balance,” Ofori said. “This is about preparing our youth for global opportunities.”

Ofori also outlined key policy efforts, including the Ghana Innovation and Startup Act, a National AI Strategy, and a Data Harmonisation Bill, all aimed at building a future-ready regulatory environment.

“We are creating a legal and policy foundation that encourages innovation, protects consumers, and attracts investors. Ghana is open for business, and we welcome partnerships that are fair, transparent, and built on mutual respect.”

Eric Annan, founder of AyaHQ, called for the creation of Special Innovation Economic Zones in Ghana — regulation-enabled hubs designed to incubate startups focused on AI, climate tech, decentralised identity, and digital finance.

“Ghana has the raw material — its people. But ideas alone are not enough. We need enabling policy, catalytic capital, and aligned partnerships to scale these innovations,” Annan said.

“Let us not just be inspired today; let us align to act.”

He revealed that since its founding in 2021, AyaHQ has:

Trained over 300 young Africans in cutting-edge fields such as smart contract engineering and product management,

Incubated more than 30 startups operating across 30 countries, and

Built two innovation hubs — in Ghana and Kenya.

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The World Health Organization has called for a radical rethinking of global drug policies as new data reveals substance abuse now drains up to 2% of GDP from affected nations through healthcare costs and lost productivity.

The appeal comes on International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, with WHO highlighting how punitive approaches have failed to curb a crisis affecting 292 million people worldwide.

In the Eastern Mediterranean Region, where 6.7% of adults use drugs, fewer than 8% of those with substance disorders receive treatment despite evidence showing each dollar invested in care yields $4-12 in social returns. The disparity prompted WHO’s October 2024 launch of a regional initiative promoting school-based prevention programs and harm reduction strategies over criminalization. “We cannot arrest our way out of a public health crisis,” said Dr. Ahmed Al-Mandhari, WHO Regional Director, noting the approach has exacerbated stigma while allowing cardiovascular diseases and tuberculosis to flourish among untreated users.

The economic argument for reform grows increasingly urgent as governments face strained budgets. Beyond direct healthcare costs, substance abuse destabilizes communities and fuels crime – a reality Ghana confronts as opioid use surges in urban centers. The WHO plan emphasizes integrating treatment into universal health coverage, a model piloted in Lebanon where community clinics saw relapse rates drop 40% after implementing medication-assisted therapy.

With the initiative now forming regional advisory groups including recovered users, WHO aims to scale such successes. As the deadline looms for UN Sustainable Development Goals, health experts warn current drug policies jeopardize targets on poverty reduction and social stability. The agency’s calculus is clear: the higher cost lies in maintaining the status quo.