Sammy Gyamfi, Chief Executive Officer of Carbonatix GoldBod, has expressed support for President John Mahama's directive to restore the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) to Ghana's list of Port Inspection Agencies. In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Mr Gyamfi stated that the recent drug bust in another jurisdiction, reportedly traced to one of Ghana's ports, raises concerns about the effectiveness of monitoring and inspection systems at the country's ports. He noted that NACOC's removal from the list in June 2018 weakened its port inspection function.
NACOC, mandated to monitor, regulate, enforce, and control narcotics trafficking in Ghana, was removed from the list of Port Inspection Agencies in June 2018. Mr Gyamfi stated that it is unclear what informed this decision, but it denied NACOC the ability to detect and prevent drug trafficking through the country's port of entry and exit. He expressed concern about the recent report of a drug bust in another jurisdiction, the origin of which was traced to one of Ghana's ports, citing weak monitoring and inspection systems.
Mr Gyamfi welcomed President Mahama's decision to restore NACOC to the list of Port Inspection Agencies and grant the Commission unfettered access to all entry and exit points by air, land, and sea. He expressed confidence that with the necessary support, NACOC will succeed in stemming the tide of drug trafficking. As someone who has closely worked with Major General Maxwell Obuba Mantey-led NACOC in fighting gold-smuggling, Mr Gyamfi is optimistic about the Commission's capabilities.
President Mahama has directed that all scanners and personnel at the country's ports be changed with immediate effect. Mr Gyamfi expressed confidence that the measures, if effectively implemented, would strengthen checks and controls at the ports and help prevent a recurrence of similar incidents. The changes aim to address concerns about the effectiveness of monitoring and inspection systems at Ghana's ports.
Mr Gyamfi's support for NACOC's return to port inspection is shared by many patriotic Ghanaians who are concerned about the recent drug busts. He emphasized that NACOC's role in monitoring and regulating narcotics trafficking is crucial in preventing the menace. With the necessary support, Mr Gyamfi believes NACOC can effectively discharge its mandate.
The recent drug bust in another jurisdiction, reportedly traced to one of Ghana's ports, has raised concerns about the country's port inspection systems. The incident highlights the need for effective monitoring and inspection systems to prevent drug trafficking. NACOC's return to port inspection is expected to strengthen these systems and prevent similar incidents.
The directive to restore NACOC to the list of Port Inspection Agencies is part of efforts to strengthen checks and controls at Ghana's ports. The changes aim to prevent a recurrence of similar incidents and ensure effective monitoring and inspection systems. Mr Gyamfi's support for the directive reflects his confidence in NACOC's capabilities and the need for effective port inspection systems.
Key points
- Sammy Gyamfi welcomes President John Mahama's directive to restore NACOC to Ghana's list of Port Inspection Agencies.
- NACOC was removed from the list of Port Inspection Agencies in June 2018, weakening its port inspection function.
- President Mahama has directed that all scanners and personnel at the country's ports be changed with immediate effect.
