By Evans Worlanyo Ameamu, GNA
Keta (VR), Feb 4 GNA-The Country Observers Mission on Governance (COMoG), has raised concern over increasing arrests of individuals transporting suspected illicit drugs, particularly marijuana, in the Volta and Oti Regions.
COMoG noted that while the arrests highlighted a growing threat of drug trafficking and abuse, especially among youth and vulnerable groups, it also demonstrated the vigilance and professionalism of the Ghana Police Service and allied security agencies.
The COMoG, in its release dated February 3, and signed by Mr Nathaniel Dzah, the Head of Finance and Human Resource (HFHR), and copied to the Ghana News Agency, commended the Ghana Police Service, the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), and relevant stakeholders for their dedication and commitment in addressing the serious challenge of drug trafficking.
“Drug trafficking and abuse endanger national security, community safety, public health, and socio‑economic development, requiring urgent and coordinated intervention to prevent the Volta and Oti Regions from becoming drug transit routes,” he stated.
He explained that the Volta and Oti Regions were traditionally known for peace and cultural harmony, and COMoG deemed it necessary that such areas must not be allowed to become safe havens for illicit drug activities.
The COMoG is urging security agencies to intensify operations, flush out drug dealers and networks, enhance intelligence gathering, strengthen inter‑agency collaboration, and adopt effective community policing strategies for lasting results.
The mission also called on the Government to provide security agencies with necessary logistics, modern equipment, adequate funding, and motivation to boost their operational efficiency in fighting drug trafficking.
“COMoG emphasises that combating drug trafficking requires sustained investment in the welfare, capacity, and operational readiness of frontline officers to ensure the fight is effective and enduring.”
Mr Dzah said the organisation was appealing to traditional authorities, religious leaders, parents, transport operators, educational institutions, and community members to remain vigilant and cooperate fully with law enforcement agencies through community sensitisation to help apprehend such culprits.
He emphasised that as governance‑focused civil society organisation, COMoG reaffirmed its commitment to supporting state institutions via advocacy, monitoring, community engagement, and strategic partnerships that promote accountability, security, and citizen well‑being
He said the COMoG asserted that collective responsibility and sustained action were essential to protect the future of the Volta and Oti Regions and ensure peace, safety, and sustainable development of the communities.
Meanwhile, the recent arrest include two drivers caught carrying suspected narcotic drugs while the police have also intercepted large qualities of suspected marijuana with one incident involving a Ghana Health Service driver in the Volta Region.
GNA
Edited by: Maxwell Awumah/George-Ramsey Benamba