By Anthony Adongo Apubeo, GNA
Bolgatanga, Dec. 10, GNA – The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) and the Pharmacy Council have launched a joint initiative to strengthen the regulation of controlled substances and precursor chemicals in the Upper East Region, in a bid to curb their diversion for illicit use.
The partnership, achieved during a meeting between Senior Narcotics Control Officer (SNCO), Mr Saeed A. Aziz, the Upper East Regional Commander of NACOC, and Mr Alfred Nyantakyi, Regional Director of the Pharmacy Council, which aligns with the enforcement of Section 34 of the Narcotics Control Commission Act, 2020 (Act 1019).
The collaborative effort was built around three key strategies: joint regulatory inspections, a structured information-sharing system, and capacity-building programmes for pharmacists and licensed chemical sellers.
Under the arrangement, NACOC and the Pharmacy Council will undertake combined inspections of pharmaceutical facilities to ensure the proper monitoring of controlled medicines and verification of permits.
The two institutions will also establish mechanisms for sharing operational intelligence to detect and prevent diversion of regulated substances.
Mr Nyantakyi welcomed the partnership and proposed that sensitisation workshops for pharmacists and drug sellers be rolled out immediately before full-scale enforcement and inspections begin.
He said increased awareness among stakeholders was critical to ensuring compliance with Act 1019.
SNCO Aziz commended the Pharmacy Council for its commitment to promoting public health and pledged NACOC’s unwavering support to ensure the successful execution of the joint strategies.
He noted that the coordinated approach would help strengthen the region’s response to drug-related threats and prevent drug illicit.
NACOC is expected to finalise the schedule for regional capacity-building workshops in the coming days, after which the joint activities will officially commence.
GNA
Edited by Caesar Abagali /Kenneth Odeng Adade