The Minister for the Interior, Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka, has disclosed that the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) currently operates in only 66 of Ghana’s 261 districts due to inadequate personnel and equipment.
He, however, said government plans to expand NACOC’s presence nationwide within the next five to six years.
Speaking before Parliament’s Public Assurance Committee, Mr Muntaka said strengthening NACOC’s operations across the country is essential to improving the fight against drug trafficking and other narcotics-related offences.
“NACOC currently operates in only 66 districts out of the 261 districts. We intend to expand its presence across the country in the next five to six years,” he said.
The Minister explained that the Commission’s operations have been constrained by limited resources, particularly a shortage of staff and modern equipment needed to effectively monitor and intercept narcotic substances.
Despite the challenges, he said government is taking steps to strengthen NACOC’s operational capacity, especially at Ghana’s major ports and border entry points.
Mr Muntaka revealed that advanced scanning equipment is expected to arrive this week for deployment at the Kotoka International Airport to enhance the detection of illicit drugs.
“My information from the Director-General is that we are expecting it this week. That one will be at the airport,” he told the Committee.
He further disclosed that Ghana is expected to receive about eight additional scanners through support from the Government of Singapore following President John Dramani Mahama’s recent visit to the Asian country.
According to the Minister, the scanners will be deployed to strategic locations, including the Tema and Takoradi ports, as well as key border posts at Elubo, Aflao, Paga and Hamile.
“Those we are likely to get about eight of such scanners that will help us to place some of them at the Tema Port, Takoradi and some of our other very important entry points like Elubo, Aflao, Paga and Hamile,” he said.
Mr Muntaka also acknowledged support from the Government of the Netherlands and the Office of the President in efforts to improve NACOC’s operational capacity.
“It is resource-constrained, but graciously through the Netherlands government and the Office of the President, we are working to get these,” he stated.
He assured the Committee that once the equipment arrives, government will strategically deploy it to strengthen border security and improve the Commission’s ability to combat narcotics trafficking across the country.
The Minister noted that enhancing NACOC’s operational capacity remains a key priority as government intensifies efforts to curb the trafficking and abuse of illegal drugs in Ghana.
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