Majority blames NACOC under-resourcing under Akufo-Addo for Ghana’s narcotics challenges

The Majority in Ghana's Parliament has criticized the government's handling of narcotics control, blaming the inadequate resourcing of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) established under former President John Mahama's administration. Majority Leader James Agalga stated that the lack of sufficient funding and personnel for NACOC has contributed to Ghana's difficulties in combating drug trafficking.

He noted that NACOC had been under-resourced, understaffed, and insufficiently institutionalized, leading to institutional neglect prior to 2025. Agalga specifically highlighted a 2018 decision to remove NACOC from routine joint physical inspections at Tema Port, arguing that this oversight has created a vulnerability in the country's port security system.

Former Defence Minister Dominic Nitiwul countered that NACOC officers still work at the port but are barred from participating in inspections, suggesting the reform was aimed at reducing bureaucratic delays. The Majority's stance comes as the government faces increased scrutiny following major narcotics seizures, including a recent 3.9-ton cocaine haul intercepted by French authorities in a container that had left Ghana.

This has prompted President John Dramani Mahama to direct security agencies to create a roadmap for preventing narcotics trafficking through the country. The Majority plans to restore NACOC to the joint container inspection process at Ghana's ports as part of their measures to address the issue, which is expected to be discussed during an extraordinary parliamentary session on September 29.