NACOC builds In-House prosecution capacity to strengthen the fight Against Drug Crimes

The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has begun building its in-house prosecution capacity as part of efforts to strengthen the handling of narcotic-related offences and improve the outcome of cases arising from its operations.

The initiative follows a four-day training in public prosecution, the first such programme organised by NACOC to prepare its officers to prosecute cases independently and professionally.

The training follows the granting of prosecutorial fiat to NACOC by the Chief Justice and the Attorney-General under Section 59 of the Narcotics Control Commission Act, 2020 (Act 1019).

Addressing participants on Monday, the Director-General of NACOC, Major General Maxwell Obuba Mantey, said the authority to prosecute its own cases presented the Commission with an important opportunity to strengthen its response to narcotic-related offences.

He said the new capacity must, however, be matched with professionalism, integrity and respect for due process to ensure that cases brought before the courts met the required legal and evidential standards.

Major General Mantey said prosecutors must understand that their responsibility went beyond securing convictions, requiring them to ensure that justice was administered fairly and impartially.

He urged the officers to approach every case objectively, ensure the fair treatment of suspects and rely on credible and properly obtained evidence.

He cautioned that weaknesses in investigations, case preparation or prosecution could undermine the administration of justice and negatively affect public confidence in NACOC and the wider justice system.

The Director of Public Prosecutions, Office of the Attorney General and Ministry of Justice, Mrs Yvonne Atakora Obuobisa, said effective prosecution started well before a case reached the courtroom.

She said the manner in which arrests were conducted, evidence gathered and preserved, statements obtained and investigative procedures followed could significantly influence the outcome of a case.

Mrs Atakora Obuobisa therefore urged the participants to pay particular attention to the legal and evidential requirements governing criminal prosecution and to maintain high ethical standards in their work.

She commended NACOC for investing in the professional development of its officers and encouraged the participants to apply the knowledge gained from the training to improve the quality of cases handled by the Commission.

Judith Twumwaa, ISD