The consumption and distribution of unlawful medication within the nation is on the rise in Ghana, and the Narcotics Management Fee (NACOC) says the scenario requires pressing and concerted motion.
NACOC Director-Normal, Brigadier Normal Maxwell Obuba Mantei, mentioned this on Tuesday, Could 5, 2026 in Abuja, Nigeria, when he led a Ghanaian delegation to signal a memorandum of understanding with the Nigerian Nationwide Drug Legislation Enforcement Company (NDLEA) to deepen cooperation between the 2 businesses, Nigeria Vanguard reviews.
Brigadier Normal Mantei reportedly mentioned that Ghana is now not only a transit level for unlawful medication, however is now coping with elevated native consumption.
The settlement, signed at NDLEA headquarters, consists of data sharing, joint operations and coaching.
It was witnessed by Dr. Gladys Mansa Yawa Fedi Akyea, Appearing Excessive Commissioner of the Ghana Excessive Fee in Abuja.
The Vanguard newspaper reported that the top of Ghana’s NACOC steered that Ghana is going through a rising drug drawback within the nation in parallel with its former function as a transport route.
He mentioned trafficking strategies had been changing into extra advanced, together with the elevated use of maritime routes and the proliferation of artificial medication.
He added that the hyperlinks between drug trafficking and different organized crime have gotten clearer, with implications for safety, governance and public well being.
In a NACOC Fb publish reporting on what occurred through the signing of the MoU, Brigadier Normal Mantei is claimed to have steered that Ghana will see a 197 per cent improve in drug-related arrests in 2025.
He mentioned almost 1,500 kilograms of drug substances had been seized and the operation was expanded to 40 new district instructions throughout all 16 areas.
He mentioned medication that beforehand handed via the nation at the moment are being distributed and used throughout the nation, and this transformation requires a stronger response.
He mentioned any settlement with Nigeria should result in motion. “The true worth of this partnership is not going to be decided by what we signal, however by what we do,” he mentioned.
NDLEA Chairman and Chief Government Officer, Brigadier Normal Mohammed Buba Marwa, mentioned the settlement formalizes the prevailing relationship between the 2 nations and supplies the idea for joint motion.
“Could this go to function a warning to those that search to destabilize society with unlawful medication. Nigeria and Ghana stand united,” Brigadier Normal Marwa mentioned.
A NACOC delegation visited Abuja to look at Nigeria’s operational techniques, together with digital forensics and intelligence-driven enforcement.
Manti mentioned Ghana would strengthen its operations by drawing classes from Nigeria’s expertise, noting that each nations share an curiosity in tackling drug trafficking and its impression within the sub-region.
The settlement additionally covers measures towards the unlawful manufacturing of psychotropic medication, precursor chemical substances, and associated cash laundering actions.
