The Minister for the Interior, Hon. Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, has urged graduating Narcotics Cadets to be resolute in their fight against illicit drugs, emphasizing that the menace poses significant threats to national security and public health.
Speaking at the graduation parade and parchment ceremony of Basic Narcotics Cadet Course 8, held at the Leadership Training School in Tema, the Minister commended the current leadership of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) for their renewed zeal and drive in combating drug trafficking.
According to him, the increase in arrests is a manifestation of much more tighter measures put in place to make Ghana unattractive for illicit drugs trafficking syndicates. He added that Government, in collaboration with NACOC, is committed to dismantling various drug networks and ensuring a safer environment for all citizens.
Hon. Muntaka noted that the graduating cadets had successfully completed the six-and-half-month training programme equipping them with skills in areas such as pharmacology, financial investigations and intelligence gathering, emphasizing that the skills would empower the new officers to combat the illicit drug trade with fairness and integrity.
He tasked NACOC to operationalize the Substance Use Disorder Rehabilitation Fund to support research, treatment, and rehabilitation programmes for individuals struggling with addiction. He committed to donating seed money to the fund and urged corporate bodies to support the initiative as part of their corporate social responsibility.
The Minister reaffirmed Government’s commitment to providing necessary support to NACOC and other security agencies to enhance their capacity to combat drug trafficking and substance abuse.
He noted that the fight against drugs requires a collective effort from all citizens and urged the graduating cadets to carry out their duties with courage, professionalism and compassion.
Hon. Muntaka congratulated the graduating cadets and urged all to work together to protect the nation and build a Ghana free from the scourge of illicit drugs.
