NACOC Deepens Partnership with Ghana Navy to Combat Drug Trafficking
The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Ghana Navy to intensify the fight against illicit drug trafficking and substance abuse in the country.
The Director-General of NACOC, Major General Maxwell Obuba Mantey, made the commitment during a courtesy call on the Chief of the Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Godwin Bessing, at the Naval Headquarters in Accra on Tuesday.
The meeting focused on enhancing inter-agency cooperation through intelligence sharing, operational support and capacity building to address the evolving threat posed by drug trafficking, particularly along Ghana’s maritime borders.
Major General Mantey commended the Ghana Navy for its longstanding support to NACOC, especially in joint operations that have disrupted drug trafficking networks over the years.
He noted that traffickers were increasingly exploiting both land and sea routes, making the Navy’s operational capabilities indispensable to the Commission’s efforts to secure the country’s territorial waters.
“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 said.
The Director-General said one of his priorities was to transform NACOC into a highly professional institution comparable to the Ghana Armed Forces through continuous training, discipline and operational excellence.
He also expressed concern over the growing incidence of substance abuse among young people, describing it as one of Ghana’s most pressing social challenges.
According to him, the illicit drug trade continued to target the youth, while the high cost of rehabilitation and limited treatment facilities placed enormous pressure on affected families.
Major General Mantey appealed to the Ghana Navy to continue supporting the training of NACOC personnel, particularly in maritime operations, as the Commission works towards acquiring modern operational assets.
He further disclosed that NACOC was advocating the expansion of drug testing in both public and private institutions as part of broader preventive measures aimed at discouraging drug use, especially among the youth.
Responding, the Chief of the Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Godwin Bessing, reaffirmed the Ghana Navy’s commitment to supporting NACOC in combating drug trafficking and substance abuse.
He described the increasing trend of lacing cannabis with edible products as a growing national security concern that required urgent and coordinated action.
Rear Admiral Bessing stressed that effective interdiction depended on timely intelligence and stronger collaboration among security agencies to intercept illicit drug trafficking.
He assured NACOC of the Navy’s continued support in training and human capacity development, emphasising that protecting the nation’s youth from drug abuse required a collective national effort.
The Naval Chief also announced plans by the Ghana Navy to acquire two new ships, including its flagship and largest vessels, as well as additional command vehicles to enhance maritime surveillance and strengthen efforts to combat illicit activities, including drug trafficking along Ghana’s coastline.
He called on state institutions to strengthen collaboration by pooling their resources and expertise to achieve the shared goal of safeguarding national security and protecting the country’s future generation.
Judith Twumwaa, ISD
