Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has reiterated Government’s commitment to fight the menace of illicit drugs and help the vulnerable to focus their energies on self and societal development.
He said Government will continue to retool all the security agencies including the Narcotics Control Commission, NACOC to protect communities, borders, and in particular the youth who are vulnerable from the use and trade in illicit narcotics trafficking.
The Vice-President made the remarks at the passing out of Narcotics Control Commission cadet officers at Assin Fosu in the Central Region.
He said despite some of the challenges faced by the Commission, the Government is committed to ensuring that NACOC’s operations and activities become a significant model for achieving its mandate.
He said the NACOC is mandated to ensure public health and safety, and that persons known to be victims of substance use disorders, sought and received the necessary professional treatment aimed at assisting them in recovering and reintegrating them into society without discrimination and stigmatization.
In this regard government is putting in place, measures and adequate resources in building rehabilitation centers to cater for people with substance use disorders.
He disclosed that the Government is in the process of procuring more K9 dogs into the country, to enhance the operations of the Narcotics Control Commission at the Kotoka International Airport and other relevant operational areas to facilitate trade.
The Vice-President said the world drug problem required international cooperation and collaboration in dealing with the transnational nature and the international organized criminal gangs which are involved in the illicit trade.
He added that Ghana stands ready to collaborate with all relevant international bodies and organizations in dealing with the world drug problem.
