Sammy Gyamfi says 2018 NACOC removal from port inspections weakened drug checks

Chief Executive Officer of GoldBod, Sammy Gyamfi, argues that the removal of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) from Ghana's list of Port Inspection Agencies in 2018 has weakened the nation's ability to detect and prevent drug trafficking through its ports. This decision, made in June 2018, diminished NACOC's role in monitoring, regulating and enforcing laws against narcotics trafficking.

Samuel Gyamfi emphasizes that the NACOC is responsible for monitoring, regulating, enforcing and controlling the trafficking of narcotics in Ghana. He states that the reasons behind NACOC's removal remain unclear, but asserts that the consequences for drug enforcement are substantial. While the decision's motivation remains uncertain, it is evident that the action weakened NACOC's port inspection capabilities and denied them the means to detect and prevent drug trafficking at Ghana's ports.

Samuel Gyamfi highlights a recent drug seizure in another country that involved a shipment linked to one of Ghana's ports, emphasizing the urgent need to strengthen monitoring and inspection systems at the country's entry and exit points. He welcomes President John Dramani Mahama's reported decision to reinstate NACOC on the list of Port Inspection Agencies and grant the Commission access to all entry and exit points via air, land, and sea.

Sammy Gyamfi, who has worked closely with the Major General Maxwell Obuba Mantey-led NACOC to combat gold smuggling, expresses confidence that with adequate support, NACOC can effectively combat the drug trafficking issue.