The Netherlands government has donated advanced intrusive scanners to Ghana’s Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) to strengthen efforts against transnational drug trafficking through the country’s airports.

The new scanners are expected to enhance NACOC’s operational efficiency and improve its ability to detect high-risk cargo and passengers.

At a brief handing-over ceremony held at the Marriott Hotel in Accra, Dutch Minister of Justice and Security, Foort van Oosten, said the donation reflects the Netherlands’ long-standing commitment to collaborating with Ghana on security and justice matters, while praising the strong bilateral relations between the two countries.

Receiving the scanners on behalf of the government, Interior Minister Mubarak Muntaka expressed gratitude for the gesture.

“We needed these new intrusive scanners to prevent drug trafficking at our ports, and for the Netherlands government to step in to assist, we are most grateful,” he said. He added that the scanners would be operated and maintained by specially trained officers and assured that they would be used responsibly.

In addition to the donation, Minister van Oosten unveiled the “Orange Corner Mural” in James Town, supporting a campaign against gender-based violence. The mural, part of a partnership with youth-focused NGO Act for Change, symbolizes resistance against domestic violence.

The campaign will use creative arts and participatory theatre to raise awareness among students and community youth leaders, along with social media activities to empower young people to challenge sexual and gender-based abuses.