A Deputy Commissioner of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), Mr. Alexander Twum Barimah, has sharply criticised the immediate past administration led by former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia for what he described as years of neglect towards the commission.

Speaking on Accra 100.5 FM’s Ghana Yensom morning show hosted by Odehyeeba Kofi Essuman and Afia Brempomaa Hinneh, Mr. Twum Barimah revealed that for nearly a decade, the commission received no logistical support from the previous government, not even a single bicycle.

“For eight years, we were abandoned. Not a single logistics item was added to our existing resources. It was as though the fight against narcotics was not a priority,” he lamented, suggesting that the past administration was complicit in undermining efforts to combat drug trafficking in the country.

In stark contrast, he lauded the current administration under President John Dramani Mahama, noting that in just three months, the commission has received three new vehicles to aid operations.

“This President has shown genuine commitment. In just a short time, our morale has been restored, and we’re now equipped to deliver on our mandate.

Our staff now walk with pride,” he said.

Mr. Twum Barimah further disclosed that under the new leadership of Brigadier Mante, NACOC has already recorded 16 high-profile drug-related arrests — a sharp improvement compared to previous years.

The Deputy Commissioner announced that the Commission is actively working to expand its presence by establishing district offices nationwide.

Letters have already been dispatched to Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs), requesting office space for newly deployed personnel.

Touching on the Commission’s core responsibilities, he reminded the public that NACOC has the authority to arrest and prosecute individuals involved in the illicit drug trade. Our focus is on the supply chain and not the end user, he added 

He also educated listeners on the types of narcotics commonly pushed in Ghana, including cocaine, heroin, cannabis, and a growing threat known as "red", a mixture that often includes Tramadol.

“While 50 to 100mg of Tramadol is permitted, anything from 225mg to 2250mg is illegal and extremely dangerous,” he clarified.

He issued a stern warning to drug sellers, pubs, and pharmacies flouting the law, stating that NACOC will soon embark on a nationwide clampdown.

With renewed support and clear leadership, NACOC is aiming to reassert itself in the national fight against narcotics and restore public confidence in Ghana’s law enforcement institutions, he concluded.