Interior Minister Muntaka Mubarak has announced a stronger national focus on drug prevention, describing it as both a public health concern and a national security threat.

This is part of renewed efforts to combat illicit drug trafficking and abuse.

Speaking at the passing-out ceremony of 186 cadet officers of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) in Tema, the Minister directed the immediate operationalisation of the Substance Use Disorder Rehabilitation Fund.

Established under Section 22 of the 2020 Narcotics Control Commission Act, the fund is designed to support addiction research and the establishment of rehabilitation centres across the country.

“We must strengthen our preventive programmes, enhance rehabilitation efforts, and deepen international cooperation to tackle this menace at its roots,” the minister said.

“To this end, I have directed NACOC, as a matter of urgency, to operationalise the Substance Use Disorder Rehabilitation Fund.”

The fund will also support research into addiction and the treatment of persons with substance use disorders, recognising drug abuse as a growing public health challenge.

Minister Muntaka Mubarak pledged to contribute seed capital to the fund and urged individuals and corporate bodies to support the initiative as part of their corporate social responsibility in addressing the drug menace.

He further called for increased intelligence sharing among NACOC and other security agencies, noting the increasingly sophisticated nature of global drug trafficking networks.

“The drug trade is a complex and evolving threat, and it is only through unity that we can stay ahead of those who engage in this illicit business,” he said.

“Government is fully aware of the challenges you face, and we are taking concrete steps to address them.”

According to the minister, the government is investing in resources, expanding training programmes, and improving the welfare of security personnel.

He also noted ongoing efforts to strengthen the legal framework to ensure drug traffickers face the full force of the law.

The 186 cadet officers, commissioned into NACOC as part of Cadet Course 8, underwent six and a half months of rigorous training at the Ghana Navy Leadership Training School in Tema.

Their curriculum covered drug pharmacology, passenger profiling, document fraud detection, and intelligence operations—critical components in Ghana’s mission to dismantle international drug trafficking networks.

Emphasising that drug enforcement is both a professional duty and a moral responsibility, the minister commended the newly commissioned officers for their discipline and dedication.

The passing-out ceremony featured parade drills and tactical displays, accompanied by the Ghana Navy Regimental Band. Awards were presented to top-performing cadets.

Dignitaries in attendance included the Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Godwin Livinus Bessing; NACOC Director General, Brig. Gen. Maxwell Mantey, senior management of NACOC; Chief Director of the Ministry of the Interior, Doreen Annan; other high-ranking security officials, and proud family members.