The United States and Ghana are bolstering their cooperation in the fight against drug trafficking and organised crime. A high-level engagement between US Department of State officials and Ghana's Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) took place in Accra on October 8, 2026. The meeting focused on enhancing collaboration in areas such as intelligence sharing, capacity building, and logistical support.
The US delegation, led by Andrew McDonald, Director of the International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) for Africa and the Middle East, met with NACOC management. The discussions aimed to strengthen NACOC's operations against drug trafficking and related organised crime. Ghana's growing links to drug trafficking have raised concerns, with the country seeking to enhance its capabilities to tackle the issue.
Major General Maxwell Obuba Mantey, Director-General of NACOC, expressed gratitude to the INL and the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for their continued support. He emphasised the need for increased training opportunities for NACOC officers, particularly in intelligence, investigations, and prosecution. This, he believes, is crucial to building NACOC into a leading drug law enforcement agency in Africa.
The US delegation reaffirmed its commitment to supporting NACOC through specialised training and logistical assistance. Mr. McDonald expressed confidence in NACOC's commitment to tackling drug trafficking and organised crime. The engagement highlighted the importance of sustained international cooperation and intelligence-led enforcement in addressing the evolving threat posed by illicit drugs and organised crime.
The cooperation between Ghana and the US aims to enhance NACOC's operational capacity. This includes providing specialised training and logistical support to help the agency effectively combat drug trafficking. The two countries recognise the need for a collaborative approach to tackle the complex issue of organised crime.
Ghana has been working to strengthen its anti-drug efforts, with NACOC playing a crucial role. The agency has been involved in several high-profile drug busts and has been working to enhance its capabilities. The country's efforts to combat drug trafficking have been recognised, with the US expressing its commitment to supporting Ghana's initiatives.
The deepened cooperation between Ghana and the US is expected to yield positive results in the fight against drug trafficking and organised crime. The two countries will continue to work together to enhance NACOC's capabilities and tackle the evolving threat posed by illicit drugs. Key areas of cooperation will include intelligence sharing, capacity building, and logistical support.
Key points
- The US and Ghana are strengthening ties to combat drug trafficking and organised crime.
- The cooperation aims to enhance NACOC's operational capacity through specialised training and logistical support.
- The two countries recognise the need for sustained international cooperation to tackle the evolving threat posed by illicit drugs and organised crime.
