The Majority Caucus in Parliament has disclosed that arrests by Ghana's Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) increased by 197 percent in 2025 under the John Dramani Mahama administration. This significant rise in arrests is seen as evidence of intensified efforts to combat drug trafficking in Ghana. According to the Majority Leader, James Agalga, NACOC recorded 73 arrests nationwide in 2024, but the figure rose to 217 arrests involving 165 cases in 2025.
The increase in arrests reflects institutional reforms, improved inter-agency collaboration, and the expansion of NACOC's operational presence across the country. In 2025, NACOC's enforcement operations resulted in the seizure of 1,497.75 kilogrammes of narcotic substances with an estimated street value of $5.24 million. Additionally, 61,974 units of controlled substances, including pharmaceutical opiates and new psychoactive substances, were seized.
Asset-based enforcement operations led to the seizure of GH¢6.93 million and $440,382 in cash, as well as 19.72 kilogrammes of gold allegedly linked to suspected drug-money laundering. NACOC has also expanded its district commands from fewer than 10 to 77, extending its operational presence to all 16 regions. This expansion is a result of measures undertaken by the government since March 2025.
The government has undertaken several measures to strengthen NACOC, including the recruitment and training of personnel, improved logistics, and stronger cooperation among NACOC, the Ghana Police Service, the National Intelligence Bureau, the Ghana Immigration Service, and the Economic and Organised Crime Office. In 2025, 495 new NACOC officers were trained, while the government approved the recruitment of an additional 1,200 personnel to address staffing gaps.
The government has also provided 35 operational vehicles to NACOC and is constructing a dedicated forensic laboratory to strengthen evidence processing and narcotics prosecutions. On the prosecution of drug-related offences, 95 of the 217 suspects arrested in 2025 were referred to court, while 120 remained under active investigation. Six convictions were secured from the 165 cases, representing a conviction rate of 3.6 percent.
To address "fragmentation and delays in the prosecution of drug offences," the government has established a dedicated court for narcotics cases. NACOC is shifting its strategy from merely counting drug seizures to targeting the criminal networks and financiers behind the narcotics trade. Between July 2025 and August 2026, NACOC restrained 73 tainted assets, seized more than 19 kilogrammes of gold in suspected drug-money laundering operations, and restrained cash and other assets valued at more than $6.9 million.
Despite progress, significant challenges remain, particularly in technology, infrastructure, and resources. The Majority Leader, James Agalga, acknowledged that the government needs to strengthen NACOC's participation in joint inspections at the country's ports, improve access to customs and cargo-tracking systems, and invest in modern detection technology and dedicated maritime assets. Greater cooperation among security and law-enforcement agencies is also necessary to effectively combat narcotics.
Key points
- NACOC recorded a 197% increase in arrests in 2025, with 217 arrests involving 165 cases.
- The government has established a dedicated court for narcotics cases to address "fragmentation and delays in the prosecution of drug offences."
- NACOC is shifting its strategy to target the criminal networks and financiers behind the narcotics trade.
