NACOC was neglected under Nana Addo-Bawumia gov't, not a single logistics item was added — Deputy NACOC boss

Deputy Commissioner of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), Mr. Alexander Twum Barimah, has strongly criticised the previous administration led by former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, accusing them of neglecting the Commission for years.

In an interview on Accra 100.5 FM’s Ghana Yensom morning show with hosts Odehyeeba Kofi Essuman and Afia Brempomaa Hinneh, Mr. Twum Barimah painted a bleak picture of NACOC’s state under the former government.

“For eight years, we were abandoned. Not a single logistics item was added to our existing resources. It was as though the fight against narcotics was not a priority,” he said, suggesting that the previous leadership had failed to treat drug enforcement with the seriousness it deserved.

In contrast, Mr. Twum Barimah commended the current administration under President John Dramani Mahama for what he described as a dramatic shift in attitude and support. He revealed that within just three months of the new government taking office, NACOC had received three operational vehicles — a development he said has already lifted staff morale.

“This President has shown genuine commitment. In just a short time, our morale has been restored, and we’re now equipped to deliver on our mandate. Our staff now walk with pride,” he said.

Under the leadership of Brigadier Mante, NACOC has also made significant strides, including 16 major drug-related arrests in recent months — a marked improvement, according to the Deputy Commissioner.

He added that the Commission is in the process of decentralising its operations by establishing district offices across the country. Letters have been sent to Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) requesting office space to accommodate new field personnel.

Reinforcing NACOC’s mandate, Mr. Twum Barimah reminded listeners that the Commission has the authority to arrest and prosecute individuals involved in drug trafficking. He emphasised that the Commission’s focus is on intercepting and dismantling supply networks rather than targeting end users.

Educating the public on the types of narcotics circulating in Ghana, he mentioned cocaine, heroin, cannabis, and a rising threat known as “red” — a potent mix often containing Tramadol.

“While 50 to 100mg of Tramadol is permitted, anything from 225mg to 2250mg is illegal and extremely dangerous,” he clarified.

He also issued a stern warning to drug vendors, pub operators, and pharmacies violating drug laws, revealing that NACOC will soon launch a nationwide enforcement exercise.

With fresh backing from the government and clear leadership at the helm, Mr. Twum Barimah expressed optimism about the Commission’s renewed role in Ghana’s anti-narcotics efforts, saying NACOC is determined to restore public trust and reclaim its place in the country’s law enforcement framework.