The Narcotic Control Board (NACOB) has begun a series of recruitment exercises to beef up its human resource capacity to enable it fight crime effectively in the country. At the opening of a three-month NACOB recruit induction course in Accra for 40 personnel, Minister for the Interior, Mr. Albert Kan-Dapaah noted that the government's determination to fight illicit drugs in the country was based on the serious and negative socio-economic effect it would have on the society, if not tackled holistically. "Our objective, in the prosecution of this war, has been to render drug abuse and trafficking in our country a most uninviting activity for both Ghanaians and foreigners," he said. The Minister announced that by 2008, the Board would have increased its staff level by over 200%. The personnel would work at the new Narcotic Control Board offices that are to be opened in the regional capitals across the country. The government's interest does not lie in manpower only, Mr. Kan-Dapaah said, but also the improvement of the logistical capacity of the Board. He noted: "In addition, during this year, the information and communication technology (ICT) facilities at the existing NCB offices in Aflao, Kotoka International Airport and others will be strengthened." He said the government is working hard to ensure the implementation of the recommendations made by the Georgina Woode Committee, with the view of putting in place a more effective narcotics control system for the country. The Interior Minister said even though the country is seen as a peaceful state, it would be even more peaceful and an enviable state, if it is able to tackle crime "with determination and a sense of mission". Mr. Kan-Dapaah urged personnel of the Board to cooperate and collaborate with other security agencies and work as a team. "Security agencies are not competitors. You are not there to outshine one another. But you are to work together for the common good - protecting the people of this country," he emphasized. The Commandant of the Fire Service Training Academy, Assistant Chief Officer Stephen Oscar Cobbyna, whose facilities are being used for the training, said the academy is open to all institutions that wish to train its personnel for the benefit of the country. "Institutions like the VRA, Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority have benefited from our facility; we will offer the best within our constraint to the recruits of the Narcotic Control Board ... However, we will never compromise on discipline. You should therefore abide by all the rules and regulations of the academy". Mr. Cobbyna promised to make the academy's instructors available to NACOB whenever they are needed. Culled from The Accra Daily Mail