The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has announced that new drug detection equipment, including mobile scanners, will be deployed at the Accra International Airport from August 2026 to strengthen border security and combat drug trafficking.
The equipment has been acquired through a partnership between the governments of Ghana and the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
The announcement comes as authorities intensify efforts to combat illicit drug trafficking following the recent arrest of an alleged drug kingpin connected to the seizure of about 320 kilogrammes of methamphetamine concealed in a charcoal shipment from Ghana and intercepted in Australia.
Speaking at a durbar to mark the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, also known as World Drug Day, in Accra on Friday, June 26, NACOC Director-General Brigadier General Maxwell Obuba Mantey said the Commission was strengthening its operational capacity to tackle the growing narcotics trade.
He warned that Ghana was increasingly becoming both a transit point and a distribution hub for illicit drugs.
Brig. Gen. Mantey disclosed that government had already begun supplying the Commission with new drug detection equipment.
“The Government of Ghana has provided mobile drug detection scanners to NACOC just yesterday, June 25. And in collaboration with the Government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, it is undertaking the full replacement of the body and baggage intrusive scanners at the Accra International Airport, which have been non-operational for over three years,” he said.
He said the upgraded scanning systems are expected to become operational in August 2026.
The NACOC Director-General also highlighted measures being taken to strengthen the Commission’s nationwide operations.
According to him, NACOC has expanded its district operational commands from fewer than 10 to 77, giving it a presence across all 16 regions of the country.
“The District operational commands have expanded from fewer than 10 to 77 nationwide, covering all 16 regions in the country. Approximately, we have received 27 operational vehicles for field deployments,” he stated.
Brig. Gen. Mantey further announced plans to establish a dedicated training school for narcotics officers.
He said a 100-acre parcel of land had been secured in the Akwamu Traditional Area for the project.
“A 100-acre parcel of land has been secured at the Akwamu Traditional Area for the establishment of a dedicated NACOC training school. This is a landmark investment in the next generation of narcotics professionals,” he said.
The Commission says the new investments form part of broader efforts to improve enforcement capacity, strengthen border surveillance and curb the growing threat posed by illicit drug trafficking in Ghana.
