Senyo Hosi commends gov’t over NACOC expansion, warns of growing synthetic drug threat

Senyo Hosi, leader of the OneGhana Movement and trustee of the Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey, praised the government for boosting the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) and expanding its nationwide reach. However, he cautioned that the agency still faces resource limitations in the fight against drug trafficking. Hosi noted that NACOC's jurisdiction has grown from around eight districts prior to the current administration to 81 districts.

This follows the arrest of a 43-year-old freight forwarder in Tema, who was seized with approximately 2.6 tonnes of cocaine in Spain in August 2026. The suspect was apprehended by NACOC agents after a link was established between him and the handling of customs documents for a cargo intercepted in Spain. Hosi acknowledged the government's commendable efforts to enhance NACOC's capabilities, but emphasized that the drug issue remains a significant national problem.

He recalled the challenges NACOC officers faced in the past, including operating under inadequate resources and conditions, such as border personnel without proper facilities. The former leader also expressed concern over the absence of sufficient drug-detection equipment, like sniffer dogs, which typically cost between €10,000 and €11,000 each.

He stressed the need for sustained investment in NACOC's personnel, logistics, and technology to bolster Ghana's capacity to detect and thwart international drug trafficking networks. In addition to cocaine seizures, Hosi warned of the growing threat posed by synthetic substances, urging that the national dialogue on narcotics should not solely focus on cocaine, as synthetic drugs pose an even more substantial concern that demands immediate attention.