Nacoc removal in 2018 not sole cause of drug trafficking gaps says gaming commission deputy CEO

Story By : Deborah Adorsu

Acting Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Gaming Commission of Ghana, Lamtiig Apanga, says the withdrawal of the Narcotics Control Commission from port inspections in 2018 should not be treated as the sole cause of recent drug trafficking.

He said the decision may be one of the factors contributing to security gaps at Ghana’s ports, but argues the focus should be on reviewing past policy decisions and strengthen detection at Ghana’s points of entry and departure.

His comments come amid renewed scrutiny of Ghana’s port inspection regime after the seizure of 3.9 tonnes of suspected cocaine by French customs at Dunkirk from a container originated from Ghana.

It will recalled that the Narcotics Control Commission was removed from the list of Port Inspection Agencies in June 2018 following port reforms under the then government that reduced inspection agencies from over 20 to three, the Ghana Revenue Authority, the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority and the Ghana Standards Authority.

Meanwhile President Mahama has since directed that NACOC be restored to the Joint Container Inspection regime with immediate effect and granted unfettered access to all entry and exit points by air, land and sea.