Peter Lanchene Toobu, Vice Chairman of Parliament's Defence and Interior Committee, has called for an increase in personnel for the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) to combat the growing sophistication of drug trafficking networks in Ghana. He emphasized that strengthening the Commission requires more than just modern technology and equipment, but also adequate manpower and specialized training to detect and disrupt narcotics operations nationwide. Toobu made these remarks in an interview with Citi FM on September 19, 2026.
Toobu's comments come after French authorities seized about 3.9 tonnes of suspected cocaine from a container shipped from Ghana, drawing attention to the country's role in international drug trafficking investigations. He stressed that the situation is serious and requires a robust response from NACOC, which currently has a workforce of below 2,000 personnel. Toobu urged the government to recruit and train more personnel for deployment across the country to effectively fight the menace.
The Interior Minister, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, previously told Parliament in July that NACOC operates in only 66 of Ghana's 261 districts due to personnel and equipment constraints. Toobu also called for closer coordination among security agencies, emphasizing that increased manpower should be matched with collaboration and effective deployment. He believes that with the right resources and strategy, NACOC can successfully combat drug trafficking.
NACOC has recently conducted intelligence-led operations, resulting in the arrest of suspects linked to the French cocaine seizure. According to the Commission, these suspects had been under surveillance for between one and two years before their arrest. Toobu's call for more personnel and resources comes as a response to concerns over NACOC's limited nationwide presence and its impact on the fight against drug trafficking.
The Wa West MP emphasized that the fight against drug trafficking cannot be won through charity or goodwill alone. He stressed that NACOC needs the necessary resources to effectively carry out its mandate. Toobu's comments have sparked renewed debate on the need for increased investment in NACOC and other security agencies responsible for combating narcotics trafficking.
The issue of drug trafficking in Ghana has gained significant attention in recent times, with concerns over the country's potential to become a major hub for cocaine trafficking. Toobu's call for action comes as part of a broader effort to address the problem. Other stakeholders, including lawmakers and security experts, have also weighed in on the issue, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach to tackle the menace.
As the government considers Toobu's call for more personnel and resources for NACOC, the Commission is expected to continue its operations against drug trafficking networks. With the right resources and strategy, NACOC may be able to make significant strides in the fight against drug trafficking, ultimately reducing the threat posed by these networks to Ghana's national security.
Key points
- Peter Lanchene Toobu calls for an increase in personnel for NACOC to effectively respond to growing drug trafficking networks in Ghana.
- NACOC currently operates with a workforce of below 2,000 personnel, which is insufficient to tackle the menace.
- The Commission operates in only 66 of Ghana's 261 districts due to personnel and equipment constraints.
