GoldBod Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Sammy Gyamfi has welcomed President John Dramani Mahama’s directive to restore the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) to the list of agencies responsible for inspection at Ghana’s ports.
Mr Gyamfi said the decision was important following the recent seizure of a large consignment of cocaine in another country, which was reportedly traced to a Ghanaian port.
According to him, the incident has raised concerns about the effectiveness of drug detection, cargo inspection and security systems at Ghana’s ports.
NACOC to Resume Port Inspection Duties
Mr Gyamfi noted that NACOC, which is responsible for monitoring, regulating and combating narcotics trafficking in Ghana, was removed from the list of Port Inspection Agencies in June 2018.
He argued that the decision affected the Commission’s ability to effectively monitor Ghana’s major ports and prevent illegal drugs from entering or leaving the country.
The GoldBod CEO said he was therefore encouraged by President Mahama’s directive for the immediate restoration of NACOC to the port inspection system.
NACOC Granted Access to Ghana’s Entry and Exit Points
Under the directive, NACOC is also expected to have access to all entry and exit points by air, land and sea.
Mr Gyamfi expressed confidence that the Commission, under the leadership of Major General Maxwell Obuba Mantey, can strengthen Ghana’s fight against drug trafficking if given the necessary resources and institutional support.
He noted that he had previously worked closely with the NACOC leadership in efforts to combat gold smuggling and believes the Commission can also play an important role in tackling illicit drug trafficking.
Changes to Port Scanners and Personnel
Mr Gyamfi further stated that President Mahama had directed for scanners and personnel at Ghana’s ports to be changed with immediate effect.
He said the measures, if properly implemented, could strengthen port security, cargo inspection and drug detection systems while helping to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The renewed focus on NACOC and port inspection comes amid growing concerns over international drug trafficking, cocaine smuggling and Ghana’s role in securing its borders and ports.
Source: newsthemegh.com