The Director-General of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has announced a series of major investments aimed at strengthening Ghana’s fight against drug trafficking, including the acquisition of new drug detection scanners, expansion of operational commands and plans for a dedicated training school.
Speaking at a durbar to mark the 2026 World Drug Day in Accra on Friday, June 26, the Director-General of NACOC, Brigadier General Maxwell Obuba Mantey, revealed that the Government of Ghana had recently supplied NACOC with mobile drug detection scanners to enhance the Commission’s operational capabilities.
According to him, the government is also collaborating with the Government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to replace the body and baggage intrusive scanners at the Kotoka International Airport, which have been out of service for more than three years.
“The Government of Ghana has provided mobile drug detection scanners to NACOC just yesterday. And in collaboration with the Government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, it is undertaking the full replacement of the body and baggage intrusive scanners at the Accra International Airport, which have been non-operational for over three years,” he said.
The Director-General further disclosed that NACOC has significantly expanded its nationwide presence, with district operational commands increasing from fewer than 10 to 77 across all 16 regions of the country.
He added that the Commission has also received approximately 27 operational vehicles to improve field deployments and enhance its response to narcotics-related offences.
In another major development, the Director-General announced that a 100-acre parcel of land has been secured in the Akwamu Traditional Area for the establishment of a dedicated NACOC Training School.
“The District operational commands have expanded from fewer than 10 to 77 nationwide, covering all 16 regions in the country. Approximately, we have received 27 operational vehicles for field deployments.
“A 100-acre parcel of land has been secured at the Akwamu Traditional Area for the establishment of a dedicated NACOC training school,” he stated.
He described the project as a strategic investment in developing the next generation of narcotics enforcement officers.
“This is a landmark investment in the next generation of narcotics professionals, and that is why I am interested in my students,” he stated.
The initiatives form part of broader efforts by the government to strengthen the country’s anti-narcotics infrastructure, improve border security and enhance the operational capacity of NACOC in combating illicit drug trafficking and organised crime.
