197% jump in drug arrests proof of stronger enforcement under NDC – Majority

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Majority Caucus in Ghana's Parliament has heralded a significant 197% surge in drug arrests under the NDC administration. Speaking at a press conference in Parliament House on Thursday, September, Majority Leader James Agalga highlighted that the rise in narcotics arrests and seizures is a direct result of strategic reforms implemented by the government.

Agalga emphasized the necessity for a unified national approach, involving border security, intelligence, investigations, prosecution, port operations, and asset recovery agencies, to combat the escalating complexity of drug trafficking.

According to Agalga, no single institution possesses the capability to tackle the entire drug trafficking chain alone. He stressed the importance of intelligence sharing and collaborative operations among various agencies, including the Narcotics Control Commission, Ghana Police Service, Ghana Immigration Service, Ports and Harbours Authority, and others.

"This is no job for any single agency," Agalga stated, highlighting the critical roles of profiling, screening, investigation, prosecution, and asset recovery in disrupting and dismantling narcotics networks.

The Majority Caucus defended the government's record in combating narcotics, citing data from the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC). In 2024, NACOC had recorded a total of 73 arrests nationwide, marking its highest annual figure. However, in 2025, NACOC enforcement operations resulted in 217 arrests across 165 cases, reflecting a staggering 197% increase.

Agalga attributed this dramatic rise to concrete institutional changes introduced by the government, including the expansion of NACOC's District Commands from fewer than 10 to 77, thereby extending its presence across all 16 regions.

Moreover, Agalga reported that NACOC seized 1,497.75 kilogrammes of narcotic substances in 2025, valued at an estimated US$5.24 million, alongside 61,974 units of controlled substances, including pharmaceutical opiates and new psychoactive substances. The government's asset-based enforcement operations led to the seizure of GH¢6.93 million and US$440,382 in cash, along with 19.72 kilogrammes of gold allegedly linked to drug-money laundering activities.

Mr Agalga highlighted the establishment of a dedicated narcotics court as another significant step, aimed at addressing fragmentation in the prosecution of drug cases and bridging the gap between arrests and convictions. He underscored that the 2025 performance was attributable to the government's concrete institutional changes, which have bolstered inter-agency cooperation and significantly enhanced the nation's fight against the drug menace.