Interior Minister inaugurates NACOC Governing Council, charges members to lead drug war – Nsemkeka
The Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak, has inaugurated the new Governing Council of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), urging members to lead a bold, coordinated, and ethical response to Ghana’s growing drug trafficking and abuse crisis.
Delivering a firm charge to the appointees, the Minister described the threat of illicit narcotics as “a virus eating away at the fabric of society”, calling for immediate and sustained institutional action to combat it.
“The inauguration of this board comes at a time when rigorous efforts are being put in place to combat the virus imposed by illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs. This has become a matter of grave national and international concern,” he said.
Illicit drug trafficking, the Minister noted, has evolved into one of the most destructive threats facing the country, particularly affecting Ghana’s youth.
“Drug trafficking is a transnational organised crime that recognises no borders and has no regard for human life. It increases insecurity, affects our economy, destroys families, and undermines the health and productivity of our citizens.”
The Interior Minister stressed that the gravity of the crisis demands “a logical, consistent, tactical, and sustained institutional response”, emphasizing that NACOC must operate with strategic coordination, intelligence sharing, and strong public engagement.
The newly constituted Council is composed of representatives from various state institutions, including the Ghana Police Service, the Ministry of Health, National Intelligence Bureau, civil society, and the private sector. This diversity, the Minister believes, will enrich the Commission’s approach and broaden its reach across communities.
The Minister emphasised the importance of ethical leadership and public accountability in the execution of the Commission’s mandate.
“The policies you formulate, the decisions you make, and the standards you uphold will echo across the sectors and communities that rely on our leadership and service,” he said.
He further urged the Council to balance bold action with humility, adding:
“You have been entrusted with authority, which counts with accountability. Every decision you make must reflect the highest standard of ethical conduct.”
As the Council assumes its new role, the nation watches with high expectations. The fight against narcotic drugs, stakeholders say, will require not only technical know-how, but moral courage, discipline, and relentless coordination.