The Majority Leader, James Agalga, has defended the 22 drug seizures recorded in Ghana under the Mahama administration, stating they demonstrate stronger intelligence gathering and surveillance by the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC). Agalga made these comments on JoyNews' PM Express, responding to concerns that the seizures indicate an increase in drug trafficking. He emphasized that interceptions within the country show the effectiveness of law enforcement agencies in disrupting trafficking networks.
Agalga highlighted that the ability of security agencies to detect and intercept drugs shows progress in the fight against illicit substances. He explained that seizures made within Ghana's jurisdiction mean that law enforcement agencies are doing well in identifying and disrupting the operations of drug cartels. According to Agalga, the interceptions demonstrate that intelligence gathered by law enforcement agencies is yielding results.
The Majority Leader linked the increase in seizures to NACOC's expanded nationwide operations, noting that the commission previously lacked offices in every region. He stated that NACOC now has a presence across the country, allowing officers to identify and respond to drug-related activities in locations where enforcement efforts were previously limited. This expanded regional presence has improved the commission's capacity to monitor suspected trafficking activities and apprehend offenders.
Agalga also pointed to an increase in the number of NACOC officers, which has enhanced the commission's ability to detect and intercept drugs. He emphasized that the additional personnel have improved NACOC's capacity to monitor suspected trafficking activities and apprehend offenders. According to Agalga, the absence of recorded seizures in a particular area should not be taken to mean that drug trafficking is not occurring there.
The 22 drug seizures under the Mahama administration have sparked debate, with some questioning why the government regards them as an achievement when they also indicate that traffickers have succeeded in moving illicit substances through Ghana. However, Agalga maintained that the seizures demonstrate the effectiveness of law enforcement agencies in disrupting trafficking networks.
Since January 2025, a total of 29 drug seizures have been recorded in Ghana. Agalga's comments come amid concerns about the country's role in the trafficking of illicit substances. He emphasized that the government's efforts to combat drug trafficking are yielding results, with NACOC's operations improving significantly under the Mahama administration.
The improved operations of NACOC have led to increased seizures and disruptions of trafficking networks. Key to these efforts has been the expansion of NACOC's presence nationwide and an increase in personnel. These developments have enabled the commission to more effectively monitor and respond to drug-related activities across the country.
Key points
- The 22 drug seizures under the Mahama administration reflect improved intelligence gathering and surveillance by NACOC.
- NACOC's expanded nationwide operations and increased personnel have contributed to the improved seizures.
- The seizures demonstrate the effectiveness of law enforcement agencies in disrupting trafficking networks.
