The Chief Executive Officer of Ghana GoldBod, Sammy Gyamfi, has expressed concerns over the removal of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) from Ghana's list of Port Inspection Agencies in 2018. According to him, this decision weakened the country's capacity to detect and prevent drug trafficking through its ports. Gyamfi stated that NACOC's port inspection role was undermined despite its mandate to monitor, regulate, and enforce laws on narcotics trafficking.
Gyamfi explained that NACOC is the body mandated to monitor, regulate, enforce, and control the trafficking of narcotics in Ghana. He noted that the reasons for NACOC's removal from port inspections remained unclear, but the consequences for drug enforcement were significant. The decision, taken in June 2018, denied NACOC the ability to detect and prevent drug trafficking through the country's ports of entry and exit.
The comments from Gyamfi follow a recent drug seizure in another jurisdiction involving a consignment reportedly traced to one of Ghana's ports. He emphasized the need to strengthen monitoring and inspection systems at the country's entry and exit points. Gyamfi welcomed President John Dramani Mahama's reported directive to reinstate NACOC on the list of Port Inspection Agencies and grant the Commission access to all entry and exit points by air, land, and sea.
Gyamfi expressed confidence that with the necessary support, NACOC will succeed in stemming the tide of drug trafficking. He has worked closely with Major General Maxwell Obuba Mantey-led NACOC in fighting gold-smuggling. The incident highlights the importance of effective port security measures to prevent the trafficking of narcotics.
The removal of NACOC from port inspections has been criticized by some as a contributing factor to the rising cocaine trafficking in Ghana. An MP for Akwatia, has expressed concerns over the issue, citing the need for stronger measures to prevent drug trafficking. The government has been urged to take steps to address the problem.
President John Dramani Mahama's directive to restore NACOC's role in port inspections has been welcomed by Gyamfi and other stakeholders. The move is expected to enhance the country's ability to detect and prevent drug trafficking. The government has been urged to provide NACOC with the necessary resources and support to effectively carry out its mandate.
The issue of drug trafficking in Ghana has significant implications for the country's security and economy. The government has been urged to take a comprehensive approach to address the problem, including strengthening port security measures and providing support to agencies like NACOC. The public has been called upon to support efforts to prevent drug trafficking and promote national security.
Key points
- The removal of NACOC from Ghana's port inspections in 2018 weakened the country's capacity to detect and prevent drug trafficking.
- Sammy Gyamfi has welcomed President John Dramani Mahama's directive to reinstate NACOC on the list of Port Inspection Agencies.
- The government has been urged to provide NACOC with the necessary resources and support to effectively carry out its mandate.
