Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has charged newly graduated officers of the Narcotic Control Commission which is mandated by law to protect the country against drug trafficking and abuse to be professional and not allow unpatriotic citizens to use them for their personal interest.

The Commission now enjoys the power of entry, search, arrest and seizure. An authorized officer may arrest with or without a warrant. The Commission also has the power to use firearms with the responsibility of ensuring public health and safety.   

According to Dr Bawumia, Ghanaians count on the commission to safeguard the borders against the influx of illegal drugs hence, the officers cannot afford to fail in executing their duties.

He said undergoing such rigorous training must not be viewed as an easy path because this is a very sensitive institution that requires commitment, integrity and loyalty to mother Ghana and the people of Ghana are depending on to secure our borders and you dare not fail them.

“Your service to Ghana must be your top priority, and it is critical that you uphold the oath of allegiance, oaths of office, and secrecy to help complement the Commission's mission and vision, and your graduation from this training school today signifies your readiness to serve.

“I urge you to be resolute and maintain discipline, resilience, and focus on your job description, as well as avoid engaging in activities that will not benefit your professional working life and has the potential to tarnish the image of our dear country.

He has, however, described the illicit drug trade and abuse as a global problem which requires a concerted effort to fight.

“The world drug problem requires international cooperation and collaboration in dealing with the transnational nature and also the international organized criminal gangs who are involved in the illicit trade. Ghana stands ready to collaborate with all relevant international bodies and organizations in dealing with the world drug problem.

“It is also worth noting that the government is working and collaborating with other countries such as the United States of America, United Kingdom, Germany and other organizations such as the United Nations Office on Drug and Crime (UNODC) and ECOWAS in the area of drug law enforcement, and also support the Commission in a variety of ways, such as capacity building and equipment to improve its operations.”

“Despite some of the challenges faced by the Commission, the government is committed to ensuring that NACOC's operations and activities become a significant model for achieving its mandate,” he added.

The Vice President who was speaking at the graduation parade of 78 Cadet Officers of the narcotic control commission in Assin Fosu, therefore, reiterated government’s commitment to retooling the security agencies in the country to make them efficient.

“Trade facilitation is key to the development of every nation and Ghana is no exception. In view of that the government is in the process of procuring more K-9 dogs for the Commission to enhance their operations at the Kotoka International Airport and other relevant operational areas to facilitate trade.

He added that government will continue to retool all the security agencies including the Narcotics Control Commission to protect the country from the use and trade in the illicit narcotics trafficking.