The Interior Minister, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, announced a significant escalation in the government’s fight against illicit drugs, reporting 217 arrests and the initiation of 165 prosecutions across the country during the past period. Speaking at the Government Accountability Series, Mr. Muntaka commended the Director-General of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) and his team for their decisive and bold approach to tackling the country’s illicit drug problem. He stated that the intensified efforts are a direct result of the government’s comprehensive strategy, which includes collaboration with the Ghana Police Service and other security agencies. Mr. Muntaka emphasized that the operation, which began in the period under review, has yielded substantial results. According to the Minister, a total of 8,500 kilogrammes of narcotics have been seized, alongside approximately 45.4 million tramadol tablets. The seizure of these narcotics represents a substantial challenge, particularly given the escalating threat posed by synthetic drugs, according to the Minister. He further detailed the recovery of 73 tainted assets within approximately 20 months, alongside the seizure of approximately GH¢6.9 million and US$440,000 in cash, believed to be associated with individuals involved in the illicit drug trade. Mr. Muntaka highlighted that the government’s strategy extends beyond simply arresting drug users, encompassing a targeted approach to disrupting the financial networks that sustain the drug trade. He stated that intelligence-led operations have resulted in the recovery of 73 assets within 20 months. The Minister underscored the importance of this approach, emphasizing that the fight against drugs is not solely focused on enforcement but also incorporates education and prevention. NACOC has conducted over 2,000 educational programs across the country, targeting diverse groups, including 1,153 first-cycle schools, 185 second-cycle schools, and 41 tertiary institutions. These programs have aimed to raise awareness about the dangers and consequences of drug abuse among various segments of society, with a particular focus on young people and vulnerable populations. The Minister acknowledged a significant gap in Ghana’s response to drug abuse – the lack of a dedicated national rehabilitation center – and stated that this is a major obstacle to effectively addressing the problem. He noted that the country does not currently have a national rehabilitation center to adequately support individuals struggling with drug dependence. The Minister concluded by stressing the importance of rehabilitation and expressed a desire to see increased investment in this critical area.””, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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Source: MyJoyOnline
