By Iddi Yire 

Accra, July 15, GNA – Alhaji Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka, the Minister for the Interior/National Security, has lauded the Narcotics Control Commission for intensifying its efforts to combat drug trafficking and promote public health. 

The Minister gave the commendation in his Mid-Year Review Report for the Ministry of the Interior/National Security at a press conference at the Presidency in Accra. 

The press conference, which was organised by the Presidency Communication Bureau, dubbed “The Governance Accountability Series”, is part of efforts by the Government to deepen transparency and accountability in governance. 

Alhaji Muntaka noted that the Commission in its efforts to combat drug trafficking within the period, secured 15 district offices across seven regions, decentralizing operations and improving local enforcement, seized 1,192 kilograms of cocaine over the period, 90 kilograms of cannabis, and about 17.9 kilograms of Goba at Tema Port, Kotoka International Airport, Paga border, and Oyarifa, disrupting major trafficking operations.  

He said the Narcotics Control Commission had also conducted seven drug swaps in Akosombo, Takoradi, Madina, and other areas, reducing street-level drug availability. 

He said the NACOC had also operationalized a toll-free line, increasing citizen tip-off and participation.  

He said the Commission had also acquired a 100-acre parcel of land at Aboasa in the Eastern Region, for a future NACOC Training Academy, with documentation near completion.  

With regard to the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), Alhaji Muntaka said over the period, the Organisation had enhanced disaster preparedness and response, protecting lives and livelihoods. 

He said NADMO had responded to 332 emergencies and conducted 2,268 field assessments; declaring that they had verified incidents and mapping risk zones for timely intervention in flood, fire, and collapses.  

The Minister said NADMO had also engaged 2,174 communities to develop participatory disaster risk reduction plans, enhancing local ownership and early warning system. 

Additionally, NADMO has desilted 248 drainage channels across various communities, improving water flow in urban areas and reducing flooding during the rainy season.  

He said NADMO had also provided relief to over 11,524 disaster victims, distributing food, shelter, and sanitation supplies to meet humanitarian needs promptly.  

He said the areas where victims were supported included communities in the Western Region, Northern Region, Volta Region, Bono East and Ashanti Regions. 

GNA 

Christian Akorlie