The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), led by the Assistant Special Agent in Charge for Africa and the Middle East, Mr. Jason Ryan, has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting and equipping the staff of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) to perform their duties professionally.
Mr. Ryan made this known during a courtesy visit to the Director-General of NACOC, Brig Gen Maxwell Obuba Mantey, on Monday in Accra.
He noted that the DEA has had a long-standing and productive relationship with the Government of Ghana through NACOC, emphasizing tha,t the agency remains committed to building the capacities of personnel assigned by NACOC to its Ghana office, particularly those tasked with tracking individuals involved in the illicit drug trade.
“We are committed to building a society devoid of illicit drug menace; hence, the DEA will continue to support the Commission to achieve its mandate and focus,” he said.
Brig Gen Maxwell Obuba Mantey commended the DEA for its continuous support to the Commission over the years, especially in enhancing the capacities of the Special Intelligence Unit, which now has well-positioned officers capable of delivering with professionalism.
He stressed that the partnership with the DEA has been meaningful and commendable, noting that it has significantly shaped the operational skills of NACOC staff.
Brig Gen Mantey also highlighted the growing threat of synthetic drugs, describing it as a major challenge that requires constant collaboration.
He called for increased intelligence sharing and enhanced capacity building in the management of precursor chemicals.
“We are very alarmed by the threats that precursor chemicals pose to Ghana. In view of this, we call on the DEA to support the Commission in managing these emerging synthetic drugs, which are causing serious harm to our future generations,” he added.
The DEA’s Country Attaché in Ghana, Christiana Olagbaiye, also assured that her office will continue to collaborate with NACOC in its mandate to curb illicit drug activities across the country.
She noted that drug trafficking must be tackled with professionalism and modern technological advancements, underscoring the need for a strong partnership with NACOC to ensure an effective working relationship.
Judith Twumwaa, ISD
