Dignitaries at the programme
The Director-General of Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), Brigadier General Maxwell Obuba Mantey, says the government has expanded the Commission’s operational capacity to strengthen efforts to protect the country’s borders and communities from the growing threat of illicit drugs.
The Director-General, who disclosed this at the commemoration of the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking last Friday, said the expansion forms part of a strategy to tackle drug trafficking and the emergence of more synthetic drugs.
“District operational commands have expanded from fewer than 10 to 77 nationwide, covering all 16 regions in the country. Approximately, we have received 27 operational vehicles fulfilled deployment. 100 acre parcel of land has been secured at Akwamu Traditional Area for the establishment of a dedicated narcotic training school. This is a landmark investment in the next generation of narcotic professionals,” he disclosed.
He said government has provided mobile drug detection scanners to NACOC and also collaborating with the Government of the Kingdom of Netherlands to undertake the full replacement of the body and baggage intrusive scanners at the Accra International Airport, which have been non-operational for over three years.
According to the NACOC Director-General, the new systems are expected to be fully installed and operational by August 2026, to help restore the country’s permanent fiscal border interdiction capabilities.
He said recognising the role of forensic science in combating drug trafficking, the government has also initiated the establishment of a modern state-of-the-art drug forensic laboratory for the Narcotics Control Commission which will be operational by end of September.
“The facility, will significantly enhance Ghana’s capacity to analyze controlled substances, spreading evidence investigations, and support successful prosecutions,” he stated.
Touching on the scale of the drug threat, Brigadier General Mantey said NACOC recorded 217 arrests, secured 165 prosecutions and seized more than 8.5 tonnes of narcotic drugs between 2025 and April 2026.
He noted that the Commission also confiscated GH¢25.3 million Tramadol tablets in 2025, while an additional 20.1 million tablets had already been intercepted this year.
He said government will continue to deal with illicit drug trafficking despite sometimes confronted with synthetic drugs and new psychoactive substances that are more addictive and harder to detect.
“Traffickers are exploiting digital technologies, encrypted communications and commercial trading routes,” he said.
On treatment and rehabilitation, the Director- General said 1,179 individuals received treatment and counselling through 30 treatment centres across the country in 2025.
He mentioned that out of the number, 50.5 per cent of the cases involved cannabis, 16.1 per cent cocaine, 14.9 per cent alcohol-related disorders and 14.6 per cent opioid use, while 85.8 per cent of clients were between 20 and 44 years.
Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, said illicit drug trafficking had become a major public health, development and national security challenge, which does not only destroy families and communities but also reduces productivity and deprives many young people of the opportunity to realise their full potential.
He said, “The Government of Ghana will not allow criminal enterprises to undermine our communities, endanger our youth and compromise our national security. It will not happen under our watch.”
Present at the commemoration of the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking held under the theme, “The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses,” were Minister of the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed- Mubarak, Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, other dignitaries and students.
By Ebenezer K. Amponsah