The Minister for the Interior, Hon. Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak has inaugurated the Governing Board of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) in Accra. The ceremony which was held on Thursday 12 June, 2025 in Accra, was to formally give the Board its mandate, with its main responsibility being to formulate and administer policies and offer guidance that would enable the management of NACOC to implement its strategies aimed at controlling illicit drug trafficking and abuse.

Speaking at the inauguration, the Interior Minister charged the newly inaugurated 15-member Governing Board of the Commission to perform their mandate diligently, which would help consolidate efforts in combating illicit drug trafficking in Ghana.

Hon. Muntaka added that illicit drug trafficking is a transnational organised crime that recognises no borders and has devastating consequences on society, especially the youth, hence the need for the Governing Board to formulate policies that would enable NACOC to operate robustly across the country.

He noted that the inauguration of the Board demonstrates the government’s commitment to openness, proficiency, and professionalism in the fight against illicit narcotics.

The Minister urged the Board members to approach their duties with boldness, humility, and integrity, making decisions that reflect the highest standards of ethical conduct.

He entrusted the Chairman with the task of promoting effective collaboration among Board members and inspiring excellence.

The Minister expressed confidence that the Board will work together to uphold the highest standards of public service and honour the oaths they have taken.

On his part, the Board Chairman of the NACOC, COP Bright Oduro (Rtd.) in his remarks thanked the President of the Republic of Ghana for giving them the mandate to serve the nation in their capacity as a Governing Board, adding that they will leverage their respective expertise as a team to complement the operations of the Commission.

He also assured that the Commission will intensify public education on the negative effects of using illegal drugs and pledged to diligently perform its duties to achieve its mandate.

The Board Chairman stressed that they will work diligently and uphold high standards of professionalism in the performance of their duties and called on management and staff of NACOC to support the Board to achieve its planned programme of objectives and focus.