The Director-General of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), Brigadier General Maxwell O. Mantey, has called for a stronger collaboration to tackle the use of illicit drugs, especially Tramadol among the youth. He said NACOC can only win the drug fight with the support and cooperation of relevant state agencies.

Brig. Gen. Mantey made the call during a courtesy visit to the Chief Executive Officer of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), Dr. Delese Mimi Darko, at the FDA Headquartres in Accra. The meeting formed part of NACOC’s strategic stakeholder initiative to strengthen partnerships with key institutions in tackling the menace of illicit drug use and trafficking in Ghana.

The two institutions institutions reaffirmed their commitments in addressing the threat of substance abuse and the diversion of pharmaceutical drugs for illicit purposes.

Brig. Gen. Mantey assured the FDA of NACOC’s dedication to joint efforts, stating ,”We can win the fight on public health and safety when we share intelligence”

Dr. Mimi Darko lauded the initiative to deepen inter-agency collaboration, emphasising the FDA’s mandate in ensuring the quality and safety of drugs. She pledged the Authority’s support for joint efforts aimed at reducing drug-related harm in society.

Both agencies agreed to set up a technical coordination team and monitor progress in order to ensure effective cooperation.