By Adnan Adams Mohammed
The Minister of the Interior, Hon Mubarak Mohammed Muntaka, has directed the Management of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) to as a matter of urgency operationalise the Substance Use Disorder Rehabilitation Fund as provided for in Section 22 of the Narcotics Control Commission Act, 2020.
At the graduation parade and parchment ceremony of Basic Narcotics Cadet Course 8, held at the Leadership Training School in Tema, he commended the leadership of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) for their renewed zeal and unwavering commitment to combating drug trafficking in Ghana.
In a post shared on his social media account, he wrote;
“Earlier today, I had the honour of attending the graduation parade and parchment ceremony of Basic Narcotics Cadet Course 8, held at the Leadership Training School in Tema. I took the opportunity to commend the current leadership of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) for their renewed zeal and unwavering commitment to combating drug trafficking in Ghana.
“The recent increase in arrests is a clear indication of the tighter measures that have been implemented; aimed at making Ghana an unattractive destination for illicit drug trafficking and the syndicates. Government, in collaboration with NACOC, remains steadfast in its resolve to dismantle drug networks and ensure a safer and more secure environment for all citizens.
“I was pleased to note that the graduating cadets have successfully completed the rigorous six-and-a-half-month training programme. This training has equipped them with essential skills in pharmacology, financial investigations, and intelligence gathering. These competencies will empower the new officers to combat the illicit drug trade with fairness, integrity and professionalism.
“I also tasked NACOC to operationalize the Substance Use Disorder Rehabilitation Fund, which is intended to support research, treatment and rehabilitation programmes for individuals battling addiction. In support of this initiative, I pledged to provide the seed fund and encourage corporate bodies as well to contribute as part of their corporate social responsibility.
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“Furthermore, I reaffirmed the Government’s unwavering commitment to providing the necessary resources and support to NACOC and other security agencies to strengthen their capacity in the fight against drug trafficking and substance abuse.
“I emphasized that the battle against drugs requires a collective national effort. I urged the graduating cadets to perform their duties with courage, professionalism and compassion.
“Finally, I congratulated the cadets on their achievements and called on all stakeholders to work together in protecting our nation and building a Ghana free from the scourge of illicit drugs.”
Passing-Out Parade at the Ankaful Prison Officers
At a similar event of Passing-Out Parade of Recruit Course 125 at the Ankaful Prison Officers’ Training School, Hon Muntaka Mubarak wrote…
“Earlier today, I had the honour of attending the Passing-Out Parade of Recruit Course 125 at the Ankaful Prison Officers’ Training School in the Central Region.
In my remarks, I emphasized the urgent need for correctional reform in Ghana and highlighted Government’s commitment to transforming the Ghana Prisons Service into a modern correctional institution focused on rehabilitation, reformation and reintegration.
I reaffirmed that the Government remains committed to expanding vocational training, educational programmes and productive inmate enterprises—key interventions that reinforce our vision for a correctional system grounded in genuine transformation. Correctional facilities must become centres of reform, not merely places of detention.
This is not an act of charity, but a strategic investment in our national security and human capital. When we equip inmates with employable skills, we reduce their likelihood of re-offending. Rehabilitation and reformation do not occur in isolation—they must be linked to purposeful and productive activity.
To give practical effect to this policy, I announced that the Government will scale up support for prison-based ventures. Initiatives such as carpentry, tailoring, agriculture and industrial operations, including bottled water production, will be central to building a sustainable and self-reliant correctional economy.
I also directed all institutions under the Ministry for the Interior to prioritize the purchase of bottled water and toilet rolls produced by the Ghana Prisons Service. This initiative will not only reduce the financial burden on the state, but also generate internal revenue and promote inmate productivity.
I reassured the leadership and personnel of the Ghana Prisons Service of the Government’s unwavering support—a commitment that extends beyond logistical and infrastructural improvements to the reformation of the very foundation of correctional practice in Ghana.
To the new officers passing out today, I urged them to serve with integrity, compassion and professionalism. Their service must reflect the high standards of the Ghana Prisons Service and uphold the trust and confidence the nation has placed in them.”
