By Anthony Adongo Apubeo, GNA
Paga (U/E), Dec. 08, GNA – The Upper East Regional Office of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), has strengthened its collaboration with sister security agencies at the Paga border in the Kassena-Nankana West District as part of efforts to improve operations.
The team, led by Senior Narcotics Control Officer (SNCO) Mr Saeed Abdul-Aziz, the Regional Commander, visited and interacted with other security agencies including the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS), the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB), Defence Intelligence (DI), National Security (NS), and the Ghana Customs Division.
The engagement focused on rallying the various security agencies at the Paga border to deepen collaboration in safeguarding Ghana’s frontiers and improving security–civilian relations.
It highlighted strengthened inter-agency coordination as the surest way to curb rising civilian interference and address other operational challenges.
SNCO Abdul-Aziz thanked all the agencies for their consistent support and urged them to maintain professionalism, unity, and strict adherence to approved information-sharing channels to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness.
He warned that escalating civilian provocation posed a growing threat to border security and called on officers to handle such situations with calm authority, stating that “the public must not be made to think they can obstruct security personnel.”
The Regional Commander further reminded personnel to remain disciplined, avoid corruption, and treat civilians with courtesy while applying the law “with a human face.”
He emphasised that no single security agency could manage the border alone and encouraged officers to uphold discipline and teamwork to improve border management.
The sister security agencies reaffirmed their commitment to deepen collaboration with NACOC, to enhance operations and protect the country’s borders from both internal and external threats.
At the GIS, the Officer In Charge (OIC), Deputy Commissioner of Immigration (DCOI) William Sabi, assured the NACOC delegation of continued operational assistance and a stronger partnership.
At the Customs Division, Mr Martin Dugbley, the Commander, reinforced directives agreed upon at recent Border Security (BORSEC) meetings, which included ensuring that all security personnel report for duty properly dressed and maintain courtesy when interacting with the public.
Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Ibrahim Khalil, the Paga District Police Commander, also pledged continued cooperation, and commended NACOC for its tireless efforts in supporting peace and law enforcement in the area.
Officials of the National Intelligence Bureau, Defence Intelligence, and National Security echoed concerns about the increasing civilian interference and noted that in some instances, officers shared sensitive information with community members to protect personal interests, a situation they described as a danger to national security.
They urged all personnel to insist, calmly but firmly on their right to work without obstruction.
Some residents of the Paga community also expressed strong support for the security agencies and underscored the need for intensified youth education on the mandates of the various institutions.
They noted that the youth played a crucial role in maintaining peace and should be guided to support rather than obstruct security operations.
GNA
Edited by Caesar Abagali/ Christabel Addo