By Edward Dankwah, GNA
Accra, July 29, GNA – Major General Maxwell Obuba Mantey, the Director-General of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), has reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to deepening its collaboration with the Ghana Navy to strengthen the fight against illicit drug trafficking and substance abuse.
He made the remarks during a courtesy call on Rear Admiral Godwin Bessing, the Chief of the Naval Staff, at the Naval Headquarters in Accra.
A statement issued to the Ghana News Agency, said the meeting focused on enhancing inter-agency cooperation, intelligence sharing, operational support and capacity building to effectively address the evolving drug threat.
Major General Mantey expressed his sincere appreciation to the Ghana Navy for its unwavering support to NACOC over the years, particularly in joint operations aimed at disrupting drug trafficking networks.
“The drug trade has become increasingly dynamic, with traffickers exploiting both land and maritime routes.
The Ghana Navy possesses the operational capacity and expertise required to secure our territorial waters, making your partnership invaluable in our collective efforts,” he added.
The Director-General noted that one of his key priorities was to build NACOC into a highly professional institution comparable to the Ghana Armed Forces, through continuous training, discipline and operational excellence.
He further expressed concern over the growing impact of substance abuse on Ghana’s youth, describing it as one of the country’s most pressing social challenges.
“The greatest tragedy of the illicit drug trade is that it targets our young people. The cost of treating substance use disorders is enormous, and many families cannot afford rehabilitation.
Yet, government rehabilitation facilities remain limited. In many cases, parents are unable to detect early signs of drug abuse until it becomes a serious problem,” he said.
Major General Mantey appealed for continued support from the Ghana Navy in the training of NACOC personnel, particularly in maritime operations, noting that although the Commission was working to acquire modern operational assets, it would continue to rely on the Navy’s expertise and facilities to build the capacity of its officers.
He disclosed that NACOC was advocating for expanded drug testing across both public and private institutions as part of broader preventive measures to discourage drug use among young people.
Rear Admiral Godwin Bessing, the Chief of the Naval Staff, upon receiving the delegation, reiterated the Ghana Navy’s commitment to supporting NACOC in tackling drug trafficking and abuse.
He expressed concern over emerging trends in substance abuse, particularly the increasing practice of lacing cannabis with edible products, describing the situation as a national security concern that required urgent and coordinated action.
Rear Admiral Bessing stressed that addressing the drug menace must begin at its source, noting that traffickers continued to exploit numerous routes, especially maritime corridors.
“Successful interdiction depends heavily on timely intelligence. We must strengthen intelligence gathering and collaboration if we are to effectively intercept illicit drug trafficking,” he stressed.
The Naval Chief assured NACOC of the Navy’s continued support in training and human capacity development, emphasising that protecting Ghana’s youth from the dangers of drug abuse required a collective national effort.
He said the Ghana Navy would acquire two new ships and additional command vehicles to enhance maritime surveillance and operations.
“The vessels, including the Navy’s flagship and largest ships, will be strategically deployed to strengthen maritime security and help counter illicit activities, including drug trafficking along Ghana’s coastline,” he said.
Rear Admiral Bessing called for greater collaboration among state institutions, urging stakeholders to pool their resources and expertise to achieve a common goal.
The meeting reaffirmed the longstanding partnership between NACOC and the Ghana Navy, underscoring the shared commitment of both institutions to strengthening national security through enhanced collaboration in the fight against drug trafficking and substance abuse.
GNA
Edited by Christabel Addo